Kenya Judiciary Probes Forged SportPesa Orders

Kenya’s judiciary launches a probe into forged court orders tied to SportPesa, exposing deep fraud risks in digital justice.

NAIROBI, – Kenya’s judiciary has opened a sweeping probe into a criminal ring accused of forging court orders to sway rulings, halt business operations and transfer properties illegally. Investigators linked the scam to the high-profile SportPesa betting dispute, raising new concerns about judicial integrity in East Africa’s biggest economy.

Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya said officials had uncovered a “disturbing pattern” of fake documents carrying forged judicial signatures. She vowed to prosecute everyone involved, including lawyers and court clerks.

“Fraudsters used fake court documents to mislead parties and sabotage justice,” Mokaya said in Nairobi. “This is an attack on the judiciary’s integrity, and we will respond decisively.”

Meanwhile, investigators traced the falsified rulings to the judiciary’s digital filing platform. Hackers briefly breached the system and deleted the files, according to a joint review by the Judiciary and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). As a result, officials ordered a full audit of all electronic court orders issued since July.

The forged documents appeared to overturn directives that had frozen SportPesa’s accounts during a licensing row with the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). Sources said insiders used the fake rulings to unfreeze millions of shillings and transfer control of the company.

SportPesa at the Center

The scandal erupted after investigators tied the forgeries to efforts to shield Pevans East Africa Ltd — SportPesa’s original operator — from regulatory sanctions. A senior DCI officer, speaking anonymously because the probe is ongoing, said detectives believe a “network of rogue advocates and registry insiders” masterminded the scheme.

“These are not isolated forgeries,” the officer told Reuters. “This is a coordinated fraud ring targeting commercial cases worth billions.”

Officials at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said the fake documents bore counterfeit seals and digital signatures of High Court judges. The syndicate also used falsified file numbers and compromised user accounts to upload them.

However, judiciary spokesperson Stellah Muturi said the system is now secure. “In addition, every court order now carries a QR code for instant verification,” she said. “We have rolled out two-step authentication for all officials handling court records.”

Investor Confidence

Analysts warn the case threatens to erode investor confidence just as Kenya positions itself as East Africa’s commercial hub.

“Foreign investors rely on transparent judicial processes,” said constitutional lawyer Bobby Mkangi. “If criminals can manipulate court records, trust in the rule of law disappears — and that hurts business.”

For years, investors viewed the judiciary as a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy. However, a similar incident in 2019 involved a forged order that allowed fraudsters to seize prime Nairobi property. Few suspects were convicted, prompting doubts about earlier reforms.

Consequently, civil-society groups including Transparency International Kenya and Kituo cha Sheria have demanded the publication of the audit report.

“Citizens need to see full accountability,” said Sheila Masinde, Transparency International’s executive director. “The judiciary’s credibility depends on openness.”

Koome’s Reform Drive

Chief Justice Martha Koome said the breach exposed weaknesses in Kenya’s digital systems. She announced plans to integrate blockchain technology into the judiciary’s e-filing platform under the Judiciary Transformation Framework 2021–2026.

“Technology must enhance justice, not undermine it,” Koome said in a statement. “Every court order should be verifiable, traceable and impossible to forge.”

The Central Bank of Kenya and National Police Service have joined the DCI to trace financial transactions tied to the fake documents. Prosecutors plan to file the first criminal charges later this month.

Market analyst Aly-Khan Satchu said the scandal highlights how Kenya’s digital leap has outpaced oversight.

“Digital efficiency is great, but criminals adapt quickly,” Satchu said. “This case should push Kenya to invest in stronger cyber-forensics.”

Restoring Trust

Observers say how the judiciary manages the case will shape public confidence for years. “This is a defining moment,” Mkangi said. “If senior officials face justice, trust in the courts could rebound.”

As the investigation expands, Kenya’s judiciary faces one of its toughest tests. Its ability to secure its systems — and hold insiders accountable — may determine whether Nairobi retains its reputation as East Africa’s commercial capital or risks losing investors to more predictable markets.