Prominent Kenyan businessman Gor Semelang’o is currently being held by authorities in Dubai, city lawyer Donald Kipkorir has revealed.
In a statement dated Friday, October 24, 2025, renowned city lawyer Donald Kipkorir revealed that Semelang’o’s detention is linked to a business dispute.
“My BFF Gor Semelang’o has been incarcerated in Dubai over a club business shareholder dispute with a Kenyan lady,” Kipkorir stated.
According to the lawyer, commercial disputes that are ordinarily civil in nature can be treated as criminal matters in Dubai.
City Lawyer Reaches Out to Foreign Affairs PS Over Detention of Semelang’o
Kipkorir further confirmed that he had already reached out to the Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) regarding the issue.
“I have asked our good Foreign Affairs PS @SingoeiAKorir to use our diplomatic relations with the UAE to amicably resolve the issue,” the lawyer said.
Defending Semelengo, Kipkorir criticized the use of foreign legal systems by Kenyans to settle local disputes.
“It is not right for a Kenyan to use the Dubai legal system against another Kenyan to settle a contractual dispute,” he argued.
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The lawyer also described Semelang’o as a good-hearted man, dismissing social media rumors that the businessman was arrested for money laundering.
“He was the Chairman of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund during Mwai Kibaki’s presidency, when the Fund was very effective. Gor is one of the few Kenyans with no trace of tribalism in him. I pray for my BFF,” Kipkorir added.
He expressed optimism that the Foreign Affairs PS, whom he described as a friend, would help resolve the issue quickly.
Conflicting Reports About the Businessman’s Detention
Kipkorir’s statement comes amid online reports alleging that the flamboyant businessman has been in a Dubai prison for about three weeks over money laundering claims.
However, close friends, including Nelson Amenya, have dismissed those reports, clarifying that Semelang’o is being held in remand, not prison.
“My friend Gor Semelang’o is not in prison and certainly not for money laundering. He had a shareholder dispute with a Kenyan lady named Mary, who pressed charges in Dubai since the business is registered there. He was placed in remand by Dubai Police, but the matter is currently being resolved,” Amenya explained.
Profile of Former YEDF Chairman
Evans Gor Semelang’o is a Kenyan politician and businessman with strong interests in the oil sector and youth empowerment. He serves as the CEO of Petrokenya Oil Co. Ltd. and is a former Chairman of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF).
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He previously chaired the National Youth Council Steering Committee and, in August 2025, joined the Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM), where he was appointed to the National Executive Council, bringing his vast experience in youth development and media engagement.
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