Kenya: DPP Charges Nairobi Businessman Over Alleged Sh15.1mn Fraud

What the report says

A Nairobi businessman, Walter Wekhanya Keya, has been charged in connection with an alleged Sh15.1 million fraud case, according to a Capital FM report distributed by AllAfrica. The case was heard at Makadara Law Courts in Nairobi, where Keya denied the charges before Senior Resident Magistrate Stephany Bett.

Prosecutors say the alleged scheme took place between May and October 2023 in the Drive Inn area of Starehe Sub-County. They accuse Keya and unnamed accomplices of misleading Constant Wanyonyi by claiming they could invest his money in a business venture. In a separate count, Keya is also accused of obtaining Sh5.1 million through the same alleged false promise and of possessing proceeds of crime.

Keya pleaded not guilty to the three charges: conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, and possession of proceeds of crime. The prosecution did not oppose his release on bond or bail, and the court set a Sh10 million bond with a similar surety, or an alternative cash bail of Sh5 million.

The allegations have not been proved in court, and the case will continue under the bond terms set by the magistrate. As a general legal matter, such charges can carry serious consequences if upheld, but the outcome will depend on evidence presented at trial.