A Nairobi-based firm, Twinkle Consolidated Services, has moved to the High Court in Nairobi seeking orders to compel a state agency to release a consignment of copper scrap metal valued at Sh52 million.
The dispute stems from the agency reportedly impounding two trucks carrying over 50 tonnes of copper scrap metal.
Twinkle claims it legally acquired the consignment from a South Sudanese supplier and another at the Nimule border point.
However, the consignment is also being claimed by another company, which Twinkle alleges has made false and malicious claims in an attempt to take over the goods.
In an urgent application filed before Justice Visram Aleem Alnashir, Twinkle fears that the state agency is on the verge of handing over the disputed cargo, thereby depriving the company of its lawful property.
“Owing to the fact that the Plaintiff/Applicant legally and procedurally purchased the said copper scrap metal for value, the Plaintiff/Applicant will suffer irreparable loss and damage if the said consignment is adversely and maliciously interfered with if the injunctive orders sought are not issued,” argued Twinkle’s lawyer, Alfred Omwancha.
Justice Alnashir ordered that the application, dated July 19, be served and the matter mentioned in court on July 30, 2025.
“The notice dated July 19 , 2025, filed under certificate together with supporting affidavit has been considered. Let the application be served and return for mention of July 30, 2025,” the order under case number HCCOMM/E481/2025 reads.
Twinkle is seeking a temporary injunction to bar the said company and any other parties from laying claim to the detained copper scrap metal.
It also wants the court to restrain the state agency from continuing investigations into the consignment based on what it terms as false allegations.
It further want the defendants be compelled to pay for damages.
"That the Defendants be compelled to pay and or compensate the Plaintiff as damages for the loss of business and the accrued high expenses as shall be tabulated by the Plaintiff from the date of impoundment of the trucks and the consignment until release of the same," the sworn affidavit reads.
In its affidavit, Twinkle claims that its trucks were seized and grounded at the state agency's offices in Busia.
The two drivers and three escorts accompanying the cargo were arrested.
The drivers were released on July 12, 2025, on cash bail of Sh10,000 each, while the other three employees were released two days later following legal intervention.
Despite presenting documentation to prove ownership, which the company says the state agency verified, Twinkle alleges that authorities have refused to release the trucks or the consignment.
The company, a registered limited liability entity in Kenya, engages in scrap metal trade, among other business interests.
