Seven suspects appeared in a Nairobi court on Tuesday to face charges for their alleged roles in a multi-million-dollar fake government contract scheme.
The accused – Michafi Musyoki Ngumbi, Evans Simotwo, Geofrey Were Odondi, Allan Mutahi Kariuki, Purity Nieri Niamu, Muniaro Jared Masinde, and Kororia Simatwa – denied the allegations before Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Teresa Nyangena. Their eighth co-accused, Rose Mbuthia, failed to attend the proceedings, leading the magistrate to issue a summons for her to appear at a future date.
The prosecution claims the group defrauded a foreign national, Talal Yousef Yousef Zaitoun, of USD 470,750 (roughly Sh60 million).
According to the charges, the suspects misled the victim between January 10 and February 25, 2026. They allegedly promised him a Kenyan government tender to supply 500 high-roof diesel Toyota Hiace ambulances. Investigators contend that the group fabricated these promises solely to trick the victim into handing over large sums of money.
Geofrey Were Odondi faces further charges for allegedly obtaining USD 450,750 through false pretenses. The prosecution claims he received the money through Lianyungang Chanta International Wood Company Limited by promising to facilitate a deal that did not exist. He also faces allegations of money laundering for moving illicit funds through an Equity Bank account belonging to Damira Multiactivities.
Meanwhile, Michafi Musyoki Ngumbi faces two counts of forgery. Prosecutors allege he falsified a contract between the Ministry of Interior and a foreign firm, Jokara AB. He also reportedly forged a “letter of notification of award” to make the fraudulent tender look official.
All seven suspects denied the charges during the hearing. Chief Magistrate Nyangena granted them release on a cash bail of Sh300,000 each. The court maintained the summons for Rose Mbuthia to appear as ordered.
This court appearance follows a five-day stint in custody last week while detectives concluded their initial investigations. The court scheduled a mention for the case in two weeks.
The post Inside Sh60M Scam: How Suspects Allegedly Used Fake Govt Tender to Defraud Foreigner appeared first on Bossnana.
