Frustrated Customer Asks DCI to Investigate Salihiya Cargo & Shipping Agency After Allegedly Losing Goods Worth Millions

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has been asked to probe Salihiya Cargo & Shipping Agency following allegations of missing goods worth millions of shillings, in a case that has sparked concern among importers and members of the public.

According to documents issued by D. Muinde & Associates Advocates on behalf of their client, Jacky Maina, the dispute revolves around a shipment of four boxes of goods entrusted to the cargo firm in December 2025.

 The goods were reportedly shipped from China through Salihiya’s freight forwarding services, with an agreed delivery timeline of 45 days by sea.

Ms. Maina is said to have clearly communicated that her authorized agent, Fredrick Muthua, would be the sole recipient of the shipment upon arrival in Kenya. 

The arrangement was allegedly confirmed by the company’s representative, Abdirahman Haji Abdul, creating what the lawyers describe as a binding contractual relationship.

However, months later, the goods had not been delivered, prompting growing frustration from the client. 

Legal documents indicate that recorded conversations and messages show Mr. Abdul repeatedly confirming that the consignment had arrived at the Port of Mombasa in December 2025 and was awaiting clearance by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

In several recorded calls made in January 2026, Mr. Abdul admitted that the shipment was in Mombasa and promised its release within a week. 

In another conversation, he reportedly asked for more time and pleaded not to be sued or exposed on social media. 

A China-based agent also confirmed that the goods had reached Mombasa but were being held due to unpaid port charges.

Despite these assurances, the shipment remains undelivered. 

The lawyers argue that Salihiya Cargo has issued contradictory and misleading statements, at times blaming KRA, and at other times claiming that the goods were still in China, despite evidence of their arrival.

The client further accuses the company of failing to provide mandatory shipping documents, including the Bill of Lading, container details, and clearance paperwork. 

This omission, according to the advocates, violates international freight handling standards and local regulatory requirements.

In a strongly worded demand letter, the law firm outlines possible criminal offences under Kenyan law, including stealing by agent, fraudulent detention of goods, conspiracy to defraud, and theft by agent. The failure to issue proper documentation is also cited as a deliberate attempt to conceal the location of the goods.

As a result, the client has formally requested investigations by the DCI, KRA, and the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA).