Tycoon Jimmy Wanjigi is in the headlines once more, but not for the right reasons.
He is battling a suit in court over alleged failure to pay Ksh1.37 for designer wear he picked at high-end store Fazal – The Luxury Boutique under Ravello Limited.
The business magnate appealed a ruling made in favour of Fazal, which claimed to have sold him five pairs of designer trousers and two jackets.
Fazal told the court that Wanjigi picked five Ermenegildo Zegna trousers and two Brioni jackets but failed to pay the agreed amount.
The market price of a Brioni jacket costs between Ksh44,000 and Ksh1.2 million since it is a luxurious global brand.
It is considered one of the best luxury fashion brands in the world.
Wanjigi was also accused of failing to return a Sh67,500 pair of trousers that did not fit him.
In court, the fashion company provided a message exchange with Wanjigi on the debt.
“Hi Jimmi, can I come collect $9,675 (Sh1.05 million) and one pair of trousers that you said you’ll return?” one of the texts read.
Another one added: “Good morning Jimmi. Kindly send me the grey pair of trousers and cheque, please. Regards, Aziz.”
Wanjigi, the court was told, promised to settle the debt in 2020, but he did not honour his pledge.
In his defence, he told the court that the Ravello Limited, on behalf of Fazal was out to tarnish his name and owed them nothing.
“The defendant herein (Wanjigi) has averred in his defense that he is a total stranger to the plaintiff and that no goods or services were rendered to him,” he stated in his appeal.
He noted that, “The defendant is a total stranger to the documents such as the WhatsApp messages the plaintiff is relying on in support of its claim.”
The claims come shortly after Wanjigi announced his presidential ambition.
