By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor
Former Liberian President George Manneh Weah has publicly accused Claude Kata, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC), of acquiring a stolen Mercedes-Benz allegedly taken from him by a former driver. The allegation, made through a WhatsApp post and amplified across social media, has sparked controversy and prompted police involvement.
Weah claimed that his Mercedes-Benz was stolen by a driver and subsequently sold to Kata. In his post, the former president questioned whether Kata had ever legitimately received such a vehicle from President Joseph Boakai, under whom Kata has long served in various capacities.
“This guy Kata bought a stolen vehicle from my driver. The police need to investigate and return the stolen vehicle,” Weah wrote, alleging that the car’s color and license plate were altered to conceal its identity.
The former president, who now leads the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), stressed that while he has gifted vehicles to many individuals without issue, Kata’s alleged involvement in this particular transaction raises serious concerns.
“The fact that they even changed the original documents of the car through dubious means is also criminal,” Weah asserted. “I have given so many cars to people in Liberia and never questioned. This act from someone who is supposed to know better is criminal. Mr. Kata, you made an error — try to correct it.”
Unconfirmed reports circulating online suggest that the Mercedes-Benz in question was owned by William Lartey, a former driver to Weah. According to these accounts, Lartey sold the vehicle to Kata on December 26, 2025, with payment reportedly made via Sendwave, a mobile money transfer service.
Lartey himself has confirmed that the car was given to him as a personal gift by Weah during his tenure as president. He insisted that all documentation was properly registered in his name, establishing him as the rightful owner prior to the sale.
“The vehicle was mine, and I sold it,” Lartey emphasized, rejecting any suggestion of theft or impropriety.
This conflicting narrative has fueled debate over whether the matter is a case of theft, a misunderstanding, or a political dispute spilling into the public domain.
When contacted by this newspaper, Kata declined to comment in detail, citing the ongoing police investigation.
“I cannot speak to the matter. It is with the police now. The police are handling it. Thanks for reaching out,” Kata said briefly.
The Liberia National Police (LNP) has reportedly taken hold of the matter, though details of the investigation remain unclear. The case highlights broader concerns about property disputes, accountability, and the intersection of politics with personal controversies in Liberia’s public sphere.
Observers note that the dispute comes at a sensitive time, with Weah positioning himself as a vocal opposition leader following his departure from the presidency. His accusations against Kata — a figure closely associated with President Boakai — may carry political undertones, reflecting the tense relationship between Liberia’s ruling establishment and its opposition.
The incident also underscores how personal disputes involving high-profile figures can quickly escalate into national debates, particularly in an era where social media amplifies every allegation.
Beyond the immediate controversy, the case raises questions about governance, transparency, and the role of public officials in maintaining ethical standards. Kata’s position as chairman of LERC places him at the center of an institution tasked with regulating Liberia’s electricity sector — a role that demands credibility and public trust.
For Weah, the dispute offers an opportunity to project himself as a defender of accountability, though critics may view the matter as a personal grievance rather than a systemic issue.
As the police investigation unfolds, the public awaits clarity on whether the Mercedes-Benz was indeed stolen, improperly sold, or lawfully transferred. Until then, the allegations remain a flashpoint in Liberia’s political and social discourse.
