A former top executive at one of Kenya’s most recognizable coffee brands is now on the run from the law after failing to show up in court over a multi-million shilling fraud case that has been building for years.
Highlights:
- Arrest warrant issued for former Java CEO Derrick Van Houten
- He is accused of obtaining over Ksh7.9 million by false pretence
- Case involves a failed hotel project in Narok
- High Court recently ordered him to pay over Ksh9.4 million
- Funds allegedly covered construction, renovations, and supplies
Main Story:
Court Issues Arrest Warrant
A Kenyan court has issued a warrant of arrest against Derrick Cornelius Van Houten after he failed to appear for proceedings in a criminal case tied to alleged fraud.
Van Houten, who previously served as CEO of Java House, is now wanted by authorities as the case takes a more serious legal turn.
Allegations of False Pretence
The former executive is accused of obtaining Ksh7,911,000 from businessman Awil Abdirahman Adulle under the promise of facilitating the construction of a Java-branded hotel in Narok.
According to court filings, the alleged transactions took place between 2021 and 2022, with assurances that the funds would go toward setting up the hospitality project.
However, prosecutors claim the promises were never fulfilled.
Millions Paid, Project Never Delivered
Documents presented in court indicate that Adulle made several payments totaling over Ksh6.8 million to Van Houten for construction and renovation works.
An additional Ksh2.6 million was reportedly paid to KISS Cosmetics for coffee supplies linked to the project.
Investigations suggest that neither the construction nor the delivery of supplies was completed, and the funds were not refunded.
High Court Ruling Adds Pressure
This latest development comes shortly after the High Court of Kenya ruled in favor of Adulle in a related civil matter.
The court ordered Van Houten and KISS Cosmetics to jointly pay more than Ksh9.4 million to cover losses incurred through renovations, equipment purchases, and other project-related expenses.
Legal Troubles Deepen
With both civil and criminal proceedings now in play, Van Houten’s legal troubles appear to be escalating. Authorities are expected to move swiftly to enforce the arrest warrant and bring him before the court.
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