German AI entrepreneur and Breathing AI CEO Hannes Bend has publicly accused Kenyan businessman Thomas Mboya Ogutu, the CEO of VeGrid Ltd, of involvement in a business dispute involving more than $300,000 (approximately KSh39–44 million) in alleged unpaid work, promised equity and cash. Bend says that after entering a partnership with Ogutu in late 2025, he contributed to VeGrid’s business by developing its website, pitch deck, business plan and growth strategy, while also helping establish the company’s US-linked entity, VeGriddy Inc. He says a signed agreement provided for equity in the venture, but alleges that the promised shares were never formally transferred and that he was not fully compensated for his work. Bend further alleges that approximately $52,000 was charged to his personal credit cards without proper authorisation, with the other side reportedly characterising the transactions as technology trials or infrastructure-related expenses. He says that when he demanded repayment and formalisation of his shareholding, the relationship deteriorated and he began receiving threats, including alleged threats to his life, physical harm and deportation, as well as xenophobic remarks. B end has published recordings, WhatsApp conversations, company documents and other materials that he says support his account. He has also linked the dispute to other individuals, including former Nairobi County Finance CEC Charles Kerich and KCB technology executive Dennis Volemi, making allegations about their connections to the company, ownership interests and political influence. Bend says he reported the alleged threats and financial wrongdoing to Kenyan police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) from around March 2026, but alleges that the investigation was delayed or suppressed and that officers demanded bribes for protection. He subsequently escalated the matter publicly on X, attracting significant attention and media coverage, and says the Ombudsman and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) later became involved in the case. Bend has raised possible offences including threats to unalive, obtaining property by false pretences, cyber harassment and potential conflicts of interest, while calling for investigations, recovery of the money and promised equity, and accountability. The allegations remain disputed and have not been conclusively determined by a court. #hannesbend #vegridlimited #hannesbendcase #hannesbendvegridlimited #thomasogutuhannesbend - @josephmbatha_