Lawyer Lucy Nyamoita Momanyi has claimed in Nairobi's High Court that she lost clients after being intimidated by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko. Sonko accused her of misusing authority in managing the Sh50 billion estate of the late James Simon Bellhouse. Momanyi is seeking compensation and an order to bar Sonko from mentioning her.
Lawyer Lucy Nyamoita Momanyi told Nairobi's High Court that she resigned as administrator of the late James Simon Bellhouse's estate after being intimidated by Mike Sonko. Bellhouse's will, dated January 10, 2007, named Momanyi and widow Joy Nadzua Bellhouse as executors. Bellhouse died in 2009, with his assets including 80 acres of beachfront land in Diani valued at Sh48 billion, along with shares in several companies.
Sonko confronted Momanyi at the Mombasa High Court, accusing her of “misuse of authority” in managing the estate, prompting her resignation out of safety fears. During testimony on October 23, 2025, Momanyi stated, “I lost clients due to the words he said against me, and thus suffered great loss.” She seeks a court order barring Sonko from mentioning her or her firm L.N. Momanyi & Company Advocates, plus compensation for defamation and legal costs.
Sonko, through his lawyer, denied the claims, stating he did not insult Momanyi. In his affidavit, Sonko claimed the widow sought his help after discovering unlisted assets in the will, and that the will “was not properly executed” legally. “When I sought clarification from her, she avoided me and even warned the widow not to communicate with me if she wanted to inherit the property,” Sonko said. He also accused Momanyi of defaming him, calling her a “criminal involved in defrauding Sh16 million.”
Under cross-examination, Momanyi admitted no other publications by Sonko against her except one from June 2010. Sonko claimed he advised the widow to report Momanyi's threats to police under OB No. 47/3/047 at Diani Police Station. Sonko's lawyer called Momanyi's claims “fabricated” without evidence of lost clients. Momanyi insisted she would provide proof of corporate clients lost. The case continues on October 27, 2025.
The late Bellhouse directed burial at his Shimba Hills farm in Kwale County per Christian rites.