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 pending the hearing and determination of Berman’s constitutional petition.
The court also halted the cancellation of her dependant’s pass, which she says was revoked without due process during the ongoing dispute.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’s claim that her estranged husband, Mikhail Berman, has engaged in a prolonged pattern of harassment and coercion since their separation.
She alleges that 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 constant pressure, affecting both her personal safety and legal standing in the country.
Dispute Over Assets and Business Interests
Berman also claims that the dispute escalated into a financial battle involving their company, Bright Villa Limited.
She alleges that her estranged husband fraudulently transferred company shares into his name using forged documents and questionable court orders.
She further claims that her motor vehicle was transferred without her knowledge or consent.
Through her lawyer, she argues that these actions form part of a broader pattern of harassment aimed at stripping her of property acquired during the marriage 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 tool of pressure during the dispute.
Berman says she was threatened with deportation and pressured to return to Russia by leveraging her dependant’s pass.
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 the outcome of the case.
Custody Battle Over Child.
Berman alleges that her estranged husband took the child to Moscow without her consent, an act she says deepened the family conflict and was used as leverage in their ongoing legal and personal disputes.
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 were meant to intimidate her, damage her reputation, and influence related custody and property disputes. It is these allegations that led to a recommendation for criminal charges against her.
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.
The court directed that all parties file responses within strict timelines, with the matter set for mention on June 9, 2026, for compliance and further directions.
