Vintage Auctioneers is facing mounting scrutiny after allegedly proceeding with the sale of a motor vehicle despite the existence of a court-sanctioned consent agreement, settled auctioneer’s fees, and express instructions from an advocate directing that the vehicle should not be sold.
The controversial sale has sparked calls for investigations and possible legal action, with affected parties accusing the auctioneer of disregarding both the law and established court processes.
At the center of the dispute is a motor vehicle that was subject to ongoing settlement negotiations between the parties. According to documents and information available, the parties had already entered into a consent agreement that outlined how the matter would be resolved.
Sources familiar with the case indicate that the consent was duly communicated to Vintage Auctioneers and that the auctioneer’s attachment and proclamation fees amounting to KSh 96,500 had already been settled following negotiations and taxation of costs.
It is further alleged that the first instalment payment required under the consent agreement had been made and acknowledged, effectively signaling the commencement of the agreed settlement process.
Despite these developments, Vintage Auctioneers allegedly proceeded with the sale of the motor vehicle.
What has shocked those involved is the claim that the advocate handling the matter had expressly instructed that the vehicle was not to be sold. According to the complainants, the auctioneer was fully aware of the consent on record, the settlement of fees, and the payments already made under the agreement.
“The auctioneer cannot claim ignorance. The consent existed, the fees had been paid, and clear instructions had been issued that the vehicle was not to be disposed of,” a source familiar with the matter stated.
Additional allegations have emerged that the affected party was never served with the mandatory notification of sale and that no newspaper advertisement was issued as required under the law governing attachment and auction procedures.
If established, such omissions could raise serious questions about compliance with statutory auction processes and the rights of affected parties.
Critics argue that the alleged actions undermined the purpose of the consent agreement and deprived the affected parties of the opportunity to protect their interests through lawful channels.
The matter has since been reported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), with investigators expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the disputed sale.
Efforts are also underway to trace the vehicle, establish its current ownership status, and obtain a full account of the proceeds generated from the sale. Parties involved are seeking disclosure of the purchase price, amounts received, sums remitted, and any balances that may still be held.
Sources indicate that both civil and criminal proceedings are being considered against the auctioneer and any other individuals who may be found responsible.
The controversy comes at a time when concerns over misconduct within the auctioneering sector are already attracting national attention.
On June 3, 2026, the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI), working jointly with the Auctioneers Licensing Board, announced the suspension of seven auctioneers over allegations of professional misconduct, highlighting growing efforts to restore accountability and public confidence within the industry.
As investigations gather pace, the Vintage Auctioneers dispute is likely to intensify scrutiny of auctioneering practices and the extent to which licensed auctioneers adhere to court orders, consent agreements, and procedural safeguards designed to protect the rights of all parties.
