Sh1.5 Billion Storm Hits Absa as WhatsApp Chats and M-Pesa Transactions Take Centre Stage in Court

A major legal battle involving Absa Bank Kenya has taken a new turn, with WhatsApp conversations and M-Pesa transactions emerging as key pieces of evidence in a Sh1.5 billion dispute filed by a transport company.

New Mega Africa Ltd has accused the bank of mishandling its financial affairs and allegedly sharing confidential business information with third parties. The company claims that the actions disrupted its operations and caused significant financial losses.

The case has attracted attention because of questions surrounding customer privacy, banking procedures and the relationship between financial institutions and their clients.

During court proceedings, Absa corporate credit manager Wycliff Makori was questioned about several M-Pesa transactions involving him and New Mega Africa director David Abai. The payments, some exceeding Sh100,000, were raised by the company as part of its allegations against the bank.

However, Makori maintained that the transactions were personal dealings between friends and had no connection to the company’s loan applications. He also denied receiving money as a bribe or in exchange for facilitating credit approvals.

The banker explained that the payments involved personal loans, repayments and other private arrangements. He further insisted that he had not shared the company’s account statements with outsiders.

Makori also defended his role in the company’s loan restructuring process, stating that the final decision rested with the bank’s business support team.

New Mega Africa is seeking approximately Sh1.5 billion in compensation. Its claims include lost income, damaged business goodwill, grounded trucks and other expenses allegedly linked to the disruption of its operations.

The company argues that its difficulties began after crucial working-capital financing was allegedly withheld and sensitive information was shared with third parties.

Absa has denied the accusations, including claims of data leakage, bribery and financial sabotage. The bank wants the court to dismiss the suit.

The dispute now places business confidentiality and the handling of customers’ financial information at the centre of a closely watched legal battle.