A bitter commercial dispute between a German entrepreneur and a Kenyan renewable energy company has erupted into a public controversy involving allegations of threats, corporate secrecy and claims of links to a former senior Nairobi County official.
At the centre of the storm is VeGrid Energy CEO Thomas Mboya Ogutu and German investor and artificial intelligence entrepreneur Hannes Bend, whose falling-out over an alleged business arrangement has spilled onto social media and into public debate.
Bend, founder of Breathing AI, has launched an aggressive online campaign accusing Ogutu of threatening him after disagreements emerged over compensation for work he claims to have performed in connection with VeGrid Energy projects. The investor has published videos, screenshots, documents and lengthy statements alleging that the relationship deteriorated after he sought payment for services rendered.
In several public posts, Bend has claimed he fears for his safety and has alleged that messages sent to him by Ogutu contained threats and intimidation. He further alleges that some communications included references to his nationality, which he interpreted as xenophobic.
The allegations have not been tested in court, and Ogutu has not publicly responded in detail to many of the claims now circulating online.
What began as a private business disagreement has, however, evolved into a much larger controversy touching on corporate governance, transparency and political connections.
Kerich’s Name Emerges
The dispute took a dramatic turn when Bend publicly alleged that VeGrid Energy has links to former Nairobi County Finance Executive Charles Kerich, one of the most influential figures in City Hall during the administration of former governor Mike Sonko.
Bend claims that documents and information he reviewed suggest Kerich held an interest in or exercised influence over the company. He further alleges that during earlier discussions, he was informed that Kerich was connected to the business and wielded significant influence because of his government position.
No independent evidence has been publicly produced to conclusively prove the allegations, and neither Kerich nor VeGrid Energy has publicly addressed the specific claims.
Nevertheless, the mere mention of Kerich’s name has intensified scrutiny because of his history as Nairobi’s powerful finance chief.
During his tenure at City Hall, Kerich found himself at the centre of numerous legal battles involving county finances, court orders and governance disputes. His name frequently surfaced in litigation involving county debts and allegations of non-compliance with judicial directives.
Those past controversies have now resurfaced as observers seek to understand whether there are any undisclosed relationships between politically exposed persons and private enterprises operating in strategic sectors such as renewable energy.
Investor Says Complaints Were Ignored
Bend claims he reported his concerns to various authorities and institutions after becoming convinced that he was facing serious threats.
According to the investor, he submitted evidence including messages and recordings to individuals he believed could assist. He alleges that little action followed despite the seriousness of the concerns he raised.
Those claims remain unverified.
Still, the dispute has gained traction online because Bend has continued releasing material in a timeline format, documenting his version of events and repeatedly stating that he is willing to defend his allegations under oath.
The German entrepreneur has framed the controversy as a test of investor protection and corporate accountability in Kenya.
Growing Questions Around Corporate Transparency
Beyond the personal dispute, the saga has triggered broader questions about VeGrid Energy’s ownership structure and governance arrangements.
Corporate governance advocates argue that transparency over company ownership becomes increasingly important whenever allegations emerge involving politically connected individuals or public officials.
Critics say uncertainty surrounding ownership and control creates fertile ground for speculation, while supporters of VeGrid Energy maintain that allegations alone should never be treated as evidence of wrongdoing.
Legal experts note that the dispute remains, at its core, a commercial disagreement unless and until regulatory agencies or courts make formal findings.
Yet the controversy appears unlikely to fade soon.
For VeGrid Energy, the growing public scrutiny risks overshadowing its operations in the renewable energy sector.
For Ogutu, the allegations have placed his leadership and business dealings under an increasingly intense spotlight.
For Kerich, the claims have revived public attention on a career already marked by high-profile legal and governance disputes.
And for Bend, the campaign appears far from over.
As more documents, videos and allegations continue to emerge online, the unanswered questions are multiplying: Were the investor’s complaints properly investigated? Who ultimately controls VeGrid Energy? And will the individuals named in the controversy publicly address the allegations now attracting national attention?
Until those questions are answered, what started as a disagreement over a business deal is likely to remain a closely watched saga involving money, power, politics and corporate accountability.
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