Nairobi, Kenya – A Nairobi court has issued a warrant of arrest against businessman Pius Mbugua Ngugi over unpaid legal fees amounting to more than Ksh.4.1 million.
The warrant was issued by Deputy Registrar Cynthia Mercy Muhoro of the Environment and Land Court, directing officers at Nairobi Central Police Station to execute the order in accordance with Order 22 Rule 32 of the Civil Procedure Rules.
Breakdown of the Legal Fees
Court records show Ngugi was ordered to settle a total of Ksh.4,193,578 following a judgment delivered in September 2025. The amount includes:
- Ksh.3,710,630 – principal sum
- Ksh.475,948 – accrued interest
- Ksh.5,500 – additional costs
- Ksh.1,500 – execution-related expenses
Origin of the Dispute
The dispute arose from legal services rendered by Githogori & Harrison Advocates LLP, who represented Ngugi in Environment and Land Court Case No. 72 of 2018. After the firm taxed its costs, Ngugi claimed he had already overpaid the advocates by Ksh.479,369.32 and demanded a refund.
However, court documents indicate Ngugi did not successfully challenge the taxed costs through the proper legal channels. Instead, he filed a separate application in a different court seeking to stop execution of the decree, arguing that the legal fees had been partially settled.
Court’s Response
The application was dismissed on September 25, 2025, after the court ruled it lacked jurisdiction to interfere with the matter.
Justice Anthony Ombwayo later faulted Ngugi’s move to challenge the decree in a separate suit, terming it an abuse of the court process.
“The law is clear that once costs are taxed, a certificate of costs issued, and no appeal or review is lodged, the court must enter judgment in favour of the advocate,” Justice Ombwayo ruled.
Conclusion
The arrest warrant underscores the judiciary’s firm stance on enforcing judgments related to legal fees. Unless Ngugi settles the outstanding amount or successfully appeals, the order paves the way for police to execute the warrant and ensure compliance with the court’s directive.
