A Russian national, Kristina Berman, has secured temporary relief after the High Court in Nairobi stopped her planned prosecution over allegations arising from a bitter family and business dispute with her estranged husband.
In conservatory orders issued on April 23, 2026, Justice Patricia Mande Nyaundi suspended the intended criminal charges.
The court also halted the cancellation of her dependant’s pass, which she claims was revoked without due process during the ongoing dispute.
Berman, through advocate Robinson Kigen, argues that she has been subjected to sustained harassment and intimidation following the breakdown of her marriage, with the criminal justice system allegedly being used to advance what is essentially a private family and commercial conflict.
Claims of Harassment and Family Breakdown
Berman alleges that her estranged husband, Mikhail Berman, has engaged in a prolonged pattern of harassment and coercion since their separation.
She claims the conduct has gone beyond a marital fallout, accusing him of intimidation, interference with her immigration status, and attempts to force her out of Kenya.
According to her petition, the situation has placed her under pressure, affecting both her personal safety and legal standing in the country.
Dispute Over Assets and Business Interests
Berman also says the dispute escalated into a financial battle involving one of their companies.
She alleges that her estranged husband fraudulently transferred company shares into his name using forged documents and questionable court orders.
“During my absence from Kenya, the Petitioner’s husband attempted to fraudulently transfer her shares into his own name by executing and presenting to the company registry a forged affidavit, forged resignation letter, forged minutes and other documents bearing the Petitioner’s forged signature,” the petition states.
She further claims that her motor vehicle was transferred without her knowledge or consent.
Through her lawyer Kigen, she argues that these actions form part of a broader pattern of harassment aimed at stripping her of matrimonial property and undermining her financial independence.
Immigration Status at the Centre of Dispute
The court also heard claims that her estranged husband allegedly used her immigration status as a pressure tool during the dispute.
Berman says she was threatened with deportation and pressured to return to Russia by leveraging her dependant’s pass.
“My husband coerced me to leave for Russia and file divorce there, depriving me of any financial support and threatening to cancel my Dependant’s Pass if I refused to comply,” the petition reads.
She further claims that the cancellation of her pass was carried out irregularly in what she believes was an attempt to weaken her position in Kenya.
The High Court has since suspended that cancellation pending determination of the case.
Custody Battle Over Child
She also claims she was coerced into travelling to Moscow to file divorce proceedings during the breakdown of the marriage, an act she says deepened the family conflict.
“On 7th April 2025, my husband coerced me to leave for Moscow, after which he took the minor into his custody and the threats against me intensified with the aim of preventing my return to Kenya,” the petition states.
Criminal Complaints and Alleged Intimidation
Berman further claims that false criminal complaints were lodged against her at Lang’ata Police Station, including allegations that she assaulted a minor.
She maintains the accusations are fabricated and intended to intimidate her, damage her reputation, and influence related custody and property disputes.
Court Orders
In her ruling, Justice Nyaundi suspended the decision to charge Berman, contained in a letter dated February 25, 2026, pending full hearing of her petition.
“A conservatory order is hereby issued staying the decision of the 1
