Absa Bank Kenya has been sued in the High Court over a disputed change of account signatories linked to an ongoing leadership and financial standoff at Vetlab Sports Club, placing Sh26 million in member funds at the center of an escalating governance dispute.
The lawsuit was filed by Club chairman Jared Ouko and honorary secretary Beatrice Kamau, who accused the lender of making unauthorized and illegal updates to the club’s banking mandates despite ongoing court battles over the legitimate leadership of the century-old Nairobi club. Court filings indicate the disputed account held Sh26 million as of May 8, 2026. The plaintiffs argue that the bank’s actions exposed the funds to possible misuse during an active leadership contest that has divided the club’s management and members.
Leadership Split at Vetlab Sports Club
The dispute traces back to mid-2025 when a division emerged within the Vetlab Sports Club management structure. A faction allied to board members including Allan Azegele, John Kariuki, and Shitul Shah accused Club Chairman Jared Ouko and Honorary Secretary Beatrice Kamau of misconduct and voted to suspend them from their executive roles.
Ouko and Kamau challenged the suspensions, arguing that subsequent constitutional amendments and leadership elections conducted during a disputed general meeting were unlawful. The disagreement split the club into rival camps, with each side claiming authority over the institution’s operations and finances. The governance dispute later moved into the courts after Ouko and Kamau sought intervention from the Sports Disputes Tribunal.
High Court Declares Vetlab Falls under Societies Act
On December 5, 2025, the Sports Disputes Tribunal temporarily lifted the suspensions imposed on Ouko and Kamau. The rival faction subsequently moved to the High Court, arguing that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction because Vetlab Sports Club is not legally classified as a sports organization.
In January 2026, the High Court ruled that the club falls under the Societies Act rather than the Sports Act, effectively removing the matter from the Sports Disputes Tribunal and consolidating the dispute within the High Court’s civil jurisdiction. The ruling cleared the way for a full civil hearing on the leadership conflict and management of the club’s finances.
Sh70 Million Supplier Bills under Scrutiny
The legal battle comes against the backdrop of mounting financial obligations at the club. Court records show that Vetlab Sports Club generated Sh112 million in subscription income and Sh37.5 million in golf revenue during the financial year ending September 2025. The club also reported Sh70 million in outstanding payables, up from Sh62.6 million a year earlier.
According to court documents, Ouko and Kamau’s faction froze payments linked to disputed supplier bills dating between 2021 and 2024, insisting the liabilities undergo forensic audit scrutiny before settlement. The rival faction allegedly intended to clear the supplier debts immediately, creating a financial deadlock that intensified the leadership confrontation.
Absa Bank Kenya Sued Over Signatory Changes
The latest phase of the dispute centers on allegations that Absa Bank Kenya altered account signatories while the leadership dispute remained unresolved in court. Ouko and Kamau claim Absa bank bypassed proper authorization procedures and granted the rival faction access to the club’s accounts.
The plaintiffs accuse Absa Bank Kenya of unauthorized account manipulation, exposing member funds to potential misuse, and enabling the settlement of contested supplier bills that were meant to remain under forensic review. They further argue that the banking changes disrupted the club’s day-to-day administration and deepened operational paralysis within the institution. The High Court is now expected to determine whether Absa Bank Kenya acted with due diligence in handling the corporate account instructions or breached its fiduciary obligations during an unresolved leadership conflict.
Jefferson Wachira is a writer at Africa Digest News, specializing in banking and finance trends, and their impact on African economies.