President William Ruto’s son, Nick Ruto, has become embroiled in controversy due to his connections with the law firm Dentons, Hamilton Harrison & Mathews.
This firm is representing Adani Airports Holdings in a legal challenge regarding its attempt to acquire the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Online discussions among Kenyans have sparked speculation about Dentons’ relationship with Adani, with detractors suggesting that the firm’s agreements with the government are influenced by its ties to influential figures in the country.
However, Adil Arshed Khawaja, the chairperson of the Safaricom board and Managing Partner at the law firm, clarified that Nick secured his position at Dentons HHM based on his qualifications and merit.
“I didn’t even know that he (Nick) had applied. We receive thousands of applications each year and he was one of the applicants. He went through the process and was selected,” he said.
Dentons, Hamilton Harrison & Mathews
Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews is one of Kenya’s largest law firms with a distinguished history of outstanding customer service and a tradition of excellence dating back to 1902.
The firm, initially founded as Hamilton, Harrison & Mathews, has undergone substantial evolution over the course of more than a hundred years, adjusting to the shifting legal environment in Kenya and the wider East African region.
Main areas of practice include Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Competition, Corporate M&A, Dispute Resolution and Employment.
Others are International Trade, Private Client, Projects & Infrastructure, Real Estate & Construction and Tax.
In 2018, the firm embarked on a significant transformation by merging with the global law firm Dentons.
This strategic alliance not only broadened its international presence but also incorporated Dentons’ extensive resources and expertise into its operations.
The resulting organization, Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews, maintained its local identity while leveraging Dentons’ global network.
Currently, Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews is recognized as one of the largest law firms in Kenya, featuring a team of 15 partners and 45 associates.
The firm provides a wide array of services, including banking and finance, arbitration, competition law, and regulatory compliance.
