Nairobi Lawyer Accused of Ksh 59M Estate Fraud Seeks Out-of-Court Settlement

A Nairobi-based lawyer accused of misappropriating Ksh 59 million from the estate of a deceased individual is now seeking to resolve the matter out of court.

The accused, Nelson Ndalila, an advocate of the High Court, failed to appear for the second time when the case was scheduled for plea.

However, his lawyer, Tali Tali, informed the court that discussions are underway between the parties with the intention of reaching an out-of-court settlement.

Tali requested a two-month adjournment to allow time for the negotiations.

His request was supported by Jason Oundo, counsel holding brief for the complainant, who confirmed that both parties had agreed to pursue an amicable resolution.

“Your Honour, we are in the process of negotiating an out-of-court settlement. We respectfully request that the plea be deferred for two months,” Oundo told the court.

Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego granted the request and postponed the plea hearing to July 7, 2025.

Court documents reveal that Ndalila faces four charges related to obtaining money through fraudulent means from the estate of the late David Jonathan Grantham. These include making and presenting false documents, obtaining registration by false pretenses, and forging a trust deed.

It is alleged that on June 2, 2023, at an undisclosed location, Ndalila, together with unnamed accomplices, forged a trust deed under the name “Better Life Family Trust” to fraudulently secure Ksh 59 million from Grantham’s estate.