Kenya Navy Seizes MV Igor Following Court Order

The Kenyan Navy is now responsible for managing the MV Igor, also known as “Mashaallah,” following a High Court order. The court’s decision restricts any transactions involving the vessel.

Deputy Registrar Evelyn Gaithuma of the High Court Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division issued the preservation order on Thursday, December 11, 2025, directing the Kenya Navy commander to oversee the vessel’s safety.

Vessel Seizure and Preservation Order

The “Mashaallah” boat was seized on October 20, 2025, by the Kenya Navy and is currently held at the Kenyan Navy base in Mtongwe, Mombasa county. The order was granted following an application by the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA).

Restrictions on Ownership and Movement

The court order prohibits individuals associated with the boat, which currently has no registered owner, from selling, transferring ownership, or disposing of the vessel. The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has also been directed to restrict the boat’s movement.

Maritime Security Operations

The Kenya Navy frequently assumes management and control of vessels for maritime security purposes, including anti-piracy efforts, counter-terrorism operations, and enforcing laws within Kenyan waters. This typically occurs when a vessel is suspected of involvement in unlawful activities such as smuggling, piracy, or poses a security threat.

Recent Interception of a Drug-Carrying Vessel

Four months prior to this order, the Navy, in collaboration with the DCI, the Kenya Coast Guard, and NACADA, intercepted a boat carrying Iranian nationals and drugs valued at over Ksh8 billion. The vessel was intercepted approximately 630 kilometers east of Mombasa on October 26, 2025, after alerts from regional and international partners identified a suspicious vessel in the Western Indian Ocean.

Investigation and Court Order

Following the interception, security agencies obtained a court order to inspect the vessel’s contents, as confirmed by DCI Director Mohamed Amin.