The managing director of a multibillion-shilling clothes maker is fighting attempts by his uncle to remove him from the leadership of the company.
Pravin Galot of Manchester Outfitters on Wednesday told Justices John Mativo, Grace Ngenye and Lilian Mutende that he never stepped down as the MD of the company as claimed by his uncle Mohan Galot.
Mohan, the founder of London Distillers, who sued his nephew Pravin, is also locked in several legal battles with his other relatives for the control of the multibillion-shilling estate.
The businessman sued his nephew Pravin and accused him of defrauding him of Sh2 billion using Manchester Outfitters (K) Ltd, which he claims he also owns.
In 2007 Mohan said that his nephew Pravin was not a director or shareholder of the company, leading to a court battle.
While testifying before a three-judge bench, Pravin said he owns the company and has 349 shares just like his brother Rajesh Galot. The firm has 700 shares.
He told the court that Mohan, who is his father’s younger brother, owns one share in the disputed property.
“The issue before this court is about shareholding in the company,” Pravin said.
“I am still the MD having been appointed on October 1, 1991, by the board of directors and the appointment letter was signed by Mohan who has not disputed the same.”
He further denied the allegations of attempting to overthrow his uncle from the control of the company.
The billionaire, in his evidence in chief, led by lawyer John Were, further said he was unable to complete his university studies in the USA after his uncle, Mohan, failed to pay his college fees.
“I left the USA to Kenya in September 1991 as I had issues with school fees at university and the arrears made me unable to complete my studies,” Pravin told court.
Pravin produced letters between him and Mohan pleading to have him pay his fees even after his father ordered that payment be made.
“I contacted my father and he contacted Mohan Galot to process the fee arrears payments but he declined prompting me to come back into the country,” he said.
“I was immediately appointed as the managing director of Manchester Outfitter Limited which I have held for the last 29 years.”
Pravin denied the claims that Mohan is the one who appointed him as the MD of the company.
“The board of directors appointed me as the MD as shown in a letter of the year 1991,” Pravin said.
Manchester Outfitters is a garment company renown for the supply of police uniforms.
The witness also said the parties to the proceedings over the control of the multi-billion company fall under one family.
Some of the relatives who were mentioned in the case by Mohan include Pavin Galot, Rajesh Galot, Ganeshlal Galot and the Mohan brothers.
Pravin also told the court that all the four families live together in Kiambu under Galot estate.
“We all live together in Kiambu Galot estate. Each of the four families have their own houses even though the estate has one entry and exit,” he said.
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