Prominent businessman and former Youth Enterprise Development Fund chairman, Gor Semelang’o, has been jailed in Dubai following a commercial dispute.
In a statement on Friday, October 24, lawyer Donald Kipkorir disclosed that Semelang’o’s incarceration stems from a business disagreement involving a Kenyan woman over ownership stakes in a Dubai-based club.
“My BFF Gor Semelang’o has been incarcerated in Dubai over a Club Business shareholder dispute with a Kenyan lady. In Dubai, commercial disputes, which are ordinarily civil,are criminal,” he said.
Kipkorir said he had already reached out to Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei to help facilitate negotiations aimed at resolving the matter swiftly.
“I have asked our good Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’Oei, to use our diplomatic relations with the UAE to amicably resolve the issue. It is not right for a Kenyan to use the Dubai Legal System against another Kenyan to settle a dispute that is contractual,” he added.
Kipkorir also spoke warmly of Semelang’o’s character, describing him as a patriotic Kenyan who made significant contributions to youth empowerment during his tenure in public service.
“Gor Semelang’o is a good man with a big heart. He was the Chairman of the Youth Development Fund during Mwai Kibaki’s Presidency, when the Fund was very effective. And Gor is one of the few Kenyans who has no tribalism in his bones. I pray for him. And I am optimistic the PS, who is my friend, will expeditiously bring the matter to a close,” he concluded.
A look into Semelang’o’s Instagram account shows his last post was on October 2nd, after which he suddenly went silent, an unusual move for a man known for his constant updates and glamorous lifestyle.
Observers have also noted that he was noticeably absent from the funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, despite his well-known closeness to the Odinga family.
Semelang’o, known for his flashy lifestyle, high-end parties and close ties with political heavyweights, has maintained a prominent profile in Kenya’s business and entertainment circles.
He previously served as the Youth Fund boss before venturing into private business, philanthropy and event sponsorship.
