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Gold scam suspect Abbas Bardu Omuyoma. PHOTO/@DCI_Kenya/X
Crime & Investigations

Man Busted in Nairobi Over Ksh42M Gold Scam Targeting Canadian

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Nairobi Regional Office have arrested Abbas Bardu Omuyoma, alias Ishmael, in connection with a multi-million shilling gold scam that defrauded a Canadian investor of USD 280,000 (approx. Ksh42 million).

The suspect was apprehended along Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi, following weeks of forensic investigations and surveillance.

His arrest comes after the victim lodged a formal complaint on September 1, 2025.

The Gold Scam

According to investigators, Ishmael and an accomplice who is still at large lured the investor with promises of supplying 550 kilograms of gold nuggets and bars allegedly sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Believing he was entering into a legitimate business deal, the Canadian investor transferred the equivalent of USD 280,000 via USDT (Tether cryptocurrency). However, the gold consignment never materialised, and efforts to recover the funds proved futile.

The Arrest

Detectives launched an intensive probe, leveraging forensic leads to track Ishmael’s movements. On Monday, they intercepted and arrested him, bringing to an end weeks of evasion.

Currently in custody, Ishmael is undergoing processing pending his arraignment in court.

Hunt for Accomplice

DCI officers confirmed that a manhunt is underway for Ishmael’s accomplice, who is believed to have played a central role in the elaborate con.

The DCI has also urged members of the public and foreign investors to exercise caution when engaging in gold transactions in Kenya, warning that fraudsters continue to exploit unsuspecting victims using fake documents and false promises of Congolese gold.

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Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu
Crime & Investigations

Blow for Waititu as Court Rejects Plea to Review 12-Year Prison Sentence

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has suffered a major setback after the High Court dismissed his bid to overturn a 12-year jail term he is currently serving for corruption.

In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Lady Justice Lucy Njuguna rejected an application filed by Waititu on August 28, 2025, in which he sought to review the sentence handed to him earlier this year.

Waititu’s Case

In February 2025, Waititu was convicted on corruption-related charges and ordered to either pay a fine of Ksh53.5 million or serve 12 years in prison.

The court found that he irregularly received Ksh25 million from Testimony Enterprises following the award of a flawed tender, in violation of procurement laws and public trust.

The former governor, popularly known as “Baba Yao”, failed to raise the hefty fine and has since been serving time at Kamiti Maximum Prison.

Court Ruling

Justice Njuguna said the sentence will remain in force until Waititu’s pending appeal is heard and determined.

She directed that the appeal be concluded within 120 days, warning that unnecessary delays by the ex-governor could see the case struck out altogether.

“Justice Njuguna ruled that the sentencing will stand pending the hearing and determination of Waititu’s appeal. She further directed that the appeal be concluded within 120 days, warning that any delays on the part of the former governor could lead to the case being struck out,” the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said in a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Kamiti Stay Continues

Waititu had also sought release on bond but failed to meet the strict terms imposed by the court, which included depositing a Ksh53 million bank guarantee.

As a result, he will continue serving his term at Kamiti Maximum Prison until the appeal is concluded.

The case will be mentioned again on October 1, 2025, when directions on the appeal process are expected to be given.

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Deepak Rajoriya
Crime & Investigations

Deepak Rajoriya: Came as a Tourist, 2 Weeks Later He Was Running a Company, Now a Ksh356M Tax Scandal Blowing Up in Court

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

The high-stakes trial against Oki General Trading (Kenya) took a sensational turn this week when the prosecution’s star witness, Deepak Rajoriya, faltered under blistering cross-examination — exposing contradictions that now cast doubt on the entire case.

Rajoriya, a former staffer in the finance department of the company’s parent firm abroad, testified that he was dispatched to Kenya to probe suspected fraud. But court records revealed an eyebrow-raising timeline:

  • He landed in Nairobi on 25th December 2024 — on a tourist visa.
  • Within two weeks, by 16th January 2025, he was installed as a director of Oki General Trading.
  • Almost immediately, he ordered a so-called “forensic audit” — a report that now forms the backbone of the prosecution’s KES 356 million misappropriation claim.

But under questioning, Rajoriya’s case crumbled.

Clean Audits vs. Sudden ‘Theft’

Defense lawyers highlighted that the company has undergone independent annual audits for years, all forming the basis of tax filings, with no red flags. Pressed on how KES 356 million could vanish undetected for so long, Rajoriya froze, unable to explain.

No Evidence, No Records

The witness admitted he did not conduct any internal investigation, review company records, or produce documentation to support his claims. The only evidence he relied on was the audit he personally commissioned just weeks into his Kenya appointment — raising questions about its independence and credibility.

The KRA Coincidence

Then came the bombshell: Oki General Trading is already facing a Kenya Revenue Authority penalty of Ksh356 million — the exact same amount allegedly “misappropriated.”

This revelation sparked speculation that the firm may be attempting to shift blame for unpaid taxes onto a former director, disguising a looming KRA liability as theft.

Public Doubts Soar

For many observers, the optics are damning:

  • A tourist-turned-director in two weeks,
  • A contested audit dropped almost immediately,
  • Years of clean audits suddenly contradicted,
  • And a tax penalty that perfectly mirrors the alleged fraud.

The question on everyone’s lips: Is this really about fraud — or a desperate bid by Oki General Trading and Deepak Rajoriya to escape a crushing tax bill?

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Businessman Mohammed Khalif Hassan appearing before Milimani Law Courts
Crime & Investigations

Businessman Mohammed Khalif Hassan to Face Pre-Trial in KSh8 Million Spaghetti Importation Fraud Case

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

The Milimani Magistrate’s Court has scheduled October 13, 2025, as the pre-trial hearing date in the case against businessman Mohammed Khalif Hassan, who is facing charges over an alleged KSh8 million spaghetti importation fraud.

Hassan appeared before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, where he denied charges of obtaining money by false pretenses and conspiracy to defraud. Prosecutors told the court that the businessman misrepresented himself to unsuspecting clients, claiming he could supply large consignments of imported spaghetti worth KSh8 million, only to fail to deliver.

The prosecution further alleged that Hassan received the money between January and March 2025, promising swift importation from Dubai, but diverted the funds for personal use.

Magistrate Onyina ordered the pre-trial to be conducted next month to allow both the prosecution and defense to exchange evidence and witness lists ahead of the hearing. Hassan was released on a cash bail of KSh1 million or an alternative bond of KSh3 million with one surety.

Cases of food-related fraud have been on the rise in Kenya, with unscrupulous traders exploiting demand for imported products such as rice, pasta, and cooking oil. In several instances, victims have lost millions to cartels who promise quick importation deals but disappear after receiving payments.

The government has previously cautioned businesspeople to exercise due diligence when engaging in importation transactions, warning that fraudsters often use forged documents, fake import licenses, and non-existent overseas suppliers to lure unsuspecting clients.

If convicted, Hassan risks imprisonment, hefty fines, and being barred from engaging in international trade.

The October 13 pre-trial will determine whether the case proceeds to a full hearing.

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Crime & Investigations

Kenya’s Shame: How Chen Fangfang Ran a Raw Macadamia Smuggling Empire Through Mombasa Port

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Kenya’s macadamia farmers have been dealt a brutal blow after it emerged that Chen Fangfang, a Chinese national on a tourist visa, masterminded a smuggling racket worth over Sh200 million. Her operations openly defied Kenya’s laws and revealed deep cracks within the country’s port control system.

Chen entered the country on April 6 posing as a tourist. Within days she was in Thika, buying raw nuts and hiring locals to load shipments. Behind the cover of tourism, she built a smuggling pipeline that bled farmers of income and mocked Kenya’s regulatory framework.

Fake Paperwork, Real Theft

On April 12, Chen and her Kenyan aide, Davis Muchoki Muriithi, loaded their first container (FFAU6547030). The paperwork said tarpaulins, destined for a Mozambican firm. The truth? Raw macadamia nuts headed straight to China.

Six more containers followed, all falsely declared as “awnings” and “sunblinds.” Records at the Kenya Ports Authority showed them “on hold” in Mombasa. Yet by August, three containers — PCIU9329018, GAOU7572631, and CIPU5254319 — had already landed in Ningbo, China. The breach was not an accident; it was collusion. Who cleared goods supposedly frozen in port? Who pocketed the bribes?

A Tourist Visa Turned Smuggling Pass

For nearly half a year, Chen lived in Kenya with nothing more than a tourist visa. No work permit. No trade license. Yet she ran a multimillion-shilling export business under the noses of Immigration and port authorities. The Agriculture and Food Authority’s ban on raw macadamia exports is meant to protect farmers and drive local processing. Chen’s operations shredded this law with impunity.

Almost Busted Again

By September 3, Chen was still at it. Surveillance cameras caught her at Mombasa Port preparing to push through three more containers. This time, authorities flagged the consignment before it sailed, narrowly stopping yet another heist. But the near-miss only deepens the mystery: how many consignments have already disappeared, and how many officials are part of the chain?

The Rotten Questions

How did Immigration allow a tourist to run an illegal business for months?

Why did no red flags go up after the first shipment?

How do “on hold” containers walk out of Mombasa and reappear in China?

Who inside KPA and government circles is pocketing the proceeds?

Farmers Betrayed

For farmers, the theft is personal. Every illegal shipment robs them of fair prices, strangles local processors, and undermines years of work to make Kenya a leader in value addition. Instead of jobs and factories, profits are lining the pockets of cartels.

Chen Fangfang was not working alone. She is the face of a bigger network — insiders, brokers, and compromised officials who turned Kenya’s ports into a smuggler’s paradise. Unless this cartel is exposed and dismantled, Kenya’s farmers will remain the losers, and the country’s borders will stay wide open to theft disguised as trade.

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SG Mwangi
Crime & Investigations

Nairobi’s Land Scandal: How County Executive SG Mwangi’s Trail of Deals is Catching Up With Him

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

When SG Mwangi joined the Nairobi County Executive in 2013 as Chief Officer in charge of Lands, many believed that his extensive experience within the county would translate into diligent service to the people. Instead, he has allegedly used his position to engage in questionable dealings that have resulted in numerous land-related legal cases.

Mwangi’s career spans multiple administrations: he served as Chief Officer for Lands under Governor Kidero, continued in the same role during Governor Sonko’s tenure, worked as Deputy Director of Lands under the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), and currently serves as County Executive Committee member (CEC) for Build Environment and Urban Planning in the Boroughs Department. What initially appeared to be routine administrative transfers has now been linked to a pattern of alleged corruption involving land sales, transfers, and fraudulent deeds—many of which are currently before the courts.

During his vetting by the County Public Service Board, Mwangi declared assets worth KSh600 million, raising questions about the sources of his wealth given his public service salary.

As the longest-serving member of the Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) Executive, Mwangi now finds himself at the center of a web of allegedly fraudulent land deals. Several prime land title deeds worth millions of shillings are tied to at least 10 active court cases, with additional matters under investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Key Cases Under Investigation

Eastleigh Treatment Works Land
Originally owned by Nairobi Water, this public property was allegedly grabbed and allocated to private entities under Mwangi’s oversight. The land was subdivided and sold without being reverted to its rightful public use. The case is currently in court.

Pumwani Hospital Expansion Land
Land reserved for expanding Pumwani Maternity Hospital was allegedly illegally transferred to private developers. Some parcels now house petrol stations, preventing the hospital’s planned expansion. The DCI maintains an active file on this matter.

Four Ways Junction Land
Mwangi is implicated in the irregular allocation of land designated for public purposes at Four Ways Junction. Banks and private developers allegedly benefited from these irregular transactions.

Karen Talent Academy Land
After the Commissioner of Lands allocated land in Karen for a talent academy, Mwangi allegedly facilitated fraudulent subdivision and issued fake titles, depriving the academy of its designated space. This case is currently before the courts.

South B Market Land
The title deed for South B Market was allegedly stolen from county custody and illegally transferred to a private developer during Mwangi’s tenure as Chief Officer. The matter remains in litigation and has cost the county substantial legal fees.

Dandora Land (Block G Plot H5)
Mwangi is accused of orchestrating irregular lease processing and producing fraudulent titles without proper documentation. This case remains active.

According to court and investigative sources, Mwangi allegedly exploited his deep institutional knowledge to manipulate records, implicate innocent officers, and cover his tracks while facilitating land grabs. His transfer from the Lands Department was reportedly prompted by mounting scandals, though subsequent reassignments have not insulated him from scrutiny.

With multiple cases now before the courts and the DCI investigating deeds he allegedly facilitated, Mwangi’s extensive history of purported fraud appears to be catching up with him. This could represent one of the county’s most significant land corruption scandals. Additionally, he is reportedly ranked among the poorest performers in every department where he has served.

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Crime & Investigations

Gold Scammer David Onyango Ochanda Arrested in Ksh29.3 Million Heist

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

In a significant breakthrough, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Operations Support Unit have arrested David Onyango Ochanda, a notorious figure implicated in a sophisticated gold scam that defrauded an American investor of Ksh 29.3 million (USD 225,968.64).

The arrest, announced on Friday, August 15, 2025, marks a critical step in combating the rising tide of financial crimes in East Africa.

The Elaborate Scheme Unraveled

The scam, which dates back to April 3, 2024, began when the unsuspecting investor arrived in Kenya to finalize a deal for the purchase of 3,370 kilograms of gold.

Lured into a seemingly legitimate transaction, the investor was escorted to an office at Gate 53, Chalbi Drive in Lavington, Nairobi, where he signed a Sales and Purchase Agreement.

To bolster the illusion of authenticity, the scammers staged a smelting process at the seller’s agent’s office, a tactic increasingly documented in gold fraud cases across the region.

The plot thickened on April 25, 2024, when the investor was introduced to Toureg Insurance Brokers Limited, a registered Kenyan brokerage overseen by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA).

David Onyango Ochanda, identified as the director of the company and the signatory to the account that received the funds, presented the firm as the entity responsible for insuring the gold during transit.

An addendum to the original agreement was signed, inflating the invoice to USD 226,012.76, of which USD 225,968.64 was wired by the investor on April 29, 2024. The gold, however, never materialized.

Coordinated Sting Operation

Today’s arrest followed a meticulously planned operation by DCI detectives, who had long had Ochanda on their radar.

The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing processing, with arraignment scheduled for Monday, August 18, 2025.

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Crime & Investigations

Two Elusive Gold Scammers Arrested by DCI

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Two elusive gold scammers have finally been arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

DCI in a statement shared via X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, August 14, 2025, said that two have been slipping through the police dragnet for a long time.

The two, Benson Gembe Odero and Emmulate Adhiambo Othumo, were arrested by detectives from the Operation Support Unit (OSU).

They are said to be the masterminds behind a multi-million-shilling gold scam targeting foreign investors.

“After months on the run, two gold scammers who have been slipping through the police dragnet have finally been brought to book. Detectives from the Operation Support Unit (OSU) have arrested Benson Gembe Odero and Emmulate Adhiambo Othuno, the masterminds behind a multi-million-shilling gold scam targeting foreign investors,” the DCI stated.

The case traces back to September 2024, when two investors from Dubai lodged a complaint. Lured by the promise of a lucrative deal to purchase 35 kilograms of gold, the investors flew to Kenya after days of negotiations.

On arrival at JKIA, they were chauffeured to a plush Kilimani hotel and introduced to an elaborate network of accomplices, some posing as KRA Customs officers, Ministry of Mining officials, and even licensed private jet operators.

Before they realised they were being conned, the scammers had already fleeced them of USD 54,300.

Following the complaint, detectives mounted an intensive investigation. On November 5, 2024, coordinated raids were carried out in Runda, Ridgeways, and the Industrial Area, where the victims had been taken to “formalise” the bogus deal, where thirty-one suspects were arrested and arraigned.

However, Odero and Othuno managed to stay one step ahead until August 13, 2025, when OSU detectives finally cornered and arrested them in a targeted operation.

The two appeared today, August 14, 2025, before Milimani Law Courts No. 3 for plea taking. They denied the charges, and the case was adjourned to August 18, 2025, for the determination of their bond terms.

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Crime & Investigations

Ksh13B Kusco Heist: Police Target Key Staff Linked to Former Management

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Police officers from Capitol Hill police station are currently questioning ten (10) account department staff at the Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Co-operatives Ltd (Kuscco) following formal complaints lodged on behalf of Kuscco by their legal representative.

The questioning/ investigations will lead to arrest of several Kuscco employees found guilty.

The employees arrested will face charges related to theft, destruction of documents, concealment of documents linked to loss of billions in deposits, breaches of the Data Protection Act, and other offenses as investigations continue. These are part of the ongoing efforts by the current Kuscco board and Management to recover lost funds.

Lawyer Cecil Miller, acting on behalf of Kuscco board, had submitted a formal protest letter to the DCI alleging that some Kuscco employees linked to the former management were destroying and tampering with documents in an effort to conceal the massive financial misappropriation.

“The arrests and ongoing investigation signal intensified efforts by the new management and board to recover the lost billions and ensure accountability for those responsible,” said Miller.

The investigation was triggered by a forensic audit report conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which revealed former managers made Kuscco insolvent to the tune of Sh12.5 billion, with total losses reaching Sh13.3 billion, placing the savings of 247 Saccos and their members at significant risk.Meanwhile The Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Co-operatives Limited (Kuscco) has disclosed that key financial documents relating to transactions worth KSh 5.318 billion are missing and may have been allegedlyremoved by former management.

According to a statement from Kuscco’s legal representatives Miller and Company advocates, efforts to retrieve proof of payment and payment vouchers initially requested in January 2025 — have been unsuccessful.

The union claims that the original records were either destroyed or taken before the management transition.

Kuscco has asked investigators to engage several banks — including Co-operative Bank, Aosa Bank, Gulf African Bank, NCBA, Consolidated Bank, Sidian Bank, Family Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank, and National Bank which may hold copies of the missing records.

The union says it remains committed to cooperating fully with authorities to ensure the matter is resolved.

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Crime & Investigations

Kenyan Lawyer and Associates Arrested in $618,000 Fraud as DCI Cracks Down on Transnational Gold Scam

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has intensified its efforts against transnational gold fraud syndicates, responsible for defrauding foreign investors of hundreds of thousands of dollars through elaborate fake gold schemes.

In an ongoing investigation, detectives from the Operations Support Unit (OSU) have arrested Michael Otieno Owano, an advocate and proprietor of Otieno M.O. Law Advocates, for his role in a high-stakes scam that defrauded a Canadian investor of USD 618,000.

The victim was lured into a fake gold export deal involving 250 kilograms of gold, allegedly set for shipment to Dubai aboard a private jet. On April 15, 2025, a Proforma Invoice of USD 318,400 was issued by EAI Logistics, with the funds wired to Owano’s law firm account. He was later asked to send an additional USDT 300,000 to a cryptocurrency wallet, but no gold was ever delivered.

Owano’s arrest follows the earlier arrest of Francis Talla Ouafo, also known as Allain, a Cameroonian national believed to be the mastermind of the syndicate. He was arraigned on July 31, 2025, at the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court.

In a separate but similarly orchestrated scam, Lupemba Lorenzi Olivier, a Congolese national, appeared at the Milimani Law Courts in connection with a fraudulent gold deal targeting a Gabonese investor. Detectives secured a seven-day custodial order to finalise investigations. The matter is scheduled for mention on August 13, 2025.

Meanwhile, another suspect, Kelvin Otieno Onyango, alias Kevo Sonko, the alleged director of SwiftTaxis Logistics Ltd, was arrested for his role in the same case. The complainant was led to his office, where they negotiated and formalised the gold deal. He later transferred USD 140,000 into an escrow account.

All the suspects are currently in custody, undergoing processing pending their arraignment in court, as DCI intensifies efforts to dismantle the networks behind these sophisticated gold scams.

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Crime & Investigations

DCI Bust 4 Gold Scammers in Gigigiri

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Detectives from the Operation Support Unit (OSU) of the DCI have arrested four individuals accused of perpetrating elaborate gold scams that have robbed unsuspecting victims of their hard-earned money.

The suspects: Patroba Odhiambo Tobias, Isaac Forkay Sleyon, Omong Ekoume Louis and Wadja Bangsi Tang, were taken into custody during a meticulously planned raid at a residence in Gigiri, situated along Whispers Avenue.

A thorough search of the premises uncovered a trove of incriminating evidence, including a gold smelting machine, an array of rubber stamps bearing the names of companies such as Alaska Express Freight Group Ltd, Longcrane Logistics Limited, and Kakan Traders and Company, numerous plastic seals, a weighing machine, and a cache of documents bearing stamp impressions from the East African Community, among other items.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that Alaska Express Freight Group Ltd has also been linked to a recent complaint involving two Canadian nationals who were defrauded of USD 37,500 last week.

The suspects are currently in custody and are undergoing processing in preparation for their arraignment.

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Transport PS Mohamed Daghar
Crime & Investigations

Coast Tycoons Urge Ruto to Dissolve KPA Board, Fire PS Daghar Over Graft Claims

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

A powerful coalition of Coast region business leaders has issued an urgent petition to President William Ruto demanding the immediate dissolution of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Board of Directors and the dismissal of Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar over serious corruption allegations that have rocked the country’s premier maritime gateway.

The unprecedented call comes in the wake of explosive media exposés revealing a web of procurement fraud, insider trading, and systematic looting at KPA that has allegedly cost taxpayers billions of shillings through inflated contracts and irregular tenders.

The Corruption Allegations

The scandal centers on a multi-billion-shilling tender allegedly authorized by the Managing Director’s office, with whistleblower accounts and leaked documents pointing to extensive procurement malpractice that has compromised the integrity of one of Kenya’s most vital revenue-generating agencies.

Among the most damaging allegations is a controversial KSh 200 million contract linked to board member Dr. Consolata Lusweti for painting stands at the Likoni Channel.

Sources indicate the tender was awarded to a Somali businessman serving as a proxy, completely bypassing standard procurement procedures and delivering substandard results.

Board Chairman Benjamin Dalu Tayari faces separate but equally serious allegations of facilitating corrupt networks through shell companies and questionable acquisition of a KSh 40 million luxury vehicle under circumstances that have raised red flags among investigators.

Key Figures Under Scrutiny

The corruption allegations implicate several high-ranking officials, including:

  • Benjamin Dalu Tayari – KPA Board Chairman and former Kinango MP, appointed in January 2023 for a three-year term
  • Mohamed Daghar – Principal Secretary for Transport, appointed in November 2022
  • Dr. Consolata Lusweti – Board Director, described as a close ally of Musalia Mudavadi with political ambitions for Kakamega’s Woman Representative seat
  • Lucas Maitha – Board member
  • Lawrence Kibet – Board member
  • Daniel Muriungi Mugao – Board member
  • Beatrice Nyamoita – Board member

Business Community’s Response

The petition has been spearheaded by prominent Coast businessmen including Mombasa businessman Athman Haroun Ismael, Kilifi’s Kenga Mrima, and Yatour Kirui, who have accused the KPA Board of lacking moral legitimacy and operating as a political reward scheme that undermines merit and professionalism.

“We are appalled, but not surprised, by these revelations exposing the looting spree at KPA,” the business leaders stated in their petition. “We raised concerns in 2023 when the current board was appointed, and unfortunately, we’ve been vindicated. The government favoured tenderpreneurs over professionals.”

The coalition argues that board members are exploiting their positions to build personal war chests ahead of future political campaigns, pointing to Lusweti’s public displays of wealth and ongoing political maneuvering by other members as evidence of their claims.

KPA’s Response

In response to the mounting allegations, KPA’s Corporate Communication Department issued a defensive statement saying: “KPA has taken note of recent media reports alleging irregularities in certain procurement processes within the organisation. These media reports do not reflect the facts or the operational standards of KPA.”

However, the business community remains unconvinced by the denial, describing the board as a politically compromised entity with no genuine commitment to ethical leadership or port development.

Call for Investigation

The petitioners have called on Kenya’s key investigative agencies to launch immediate probes into the board’s conduct, specifically targeting:

  • Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
  • Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
  • Asset Recovery Agency

The EACC has previously taken action against KPA officials, including the arrest of a Senior Administrative Secretary over a KES 6.4 million tender conflict of interest case in July 2024.

Historical Context

The current scandal adds to KPA’s troubled history with corruption. In 2019, the DCI launched a probe into what investigators believed was a Ksh 2.7 billion tender scandal at KPA, implicating top officials including the then-Managing Director Daniel Manduku.

Political Implications

The corruption allegations come at a sensitive time for President Ruto’s administration, which has made the fight against corruption a key pillar of its governance agenda.

The involvement of high-ranking officials from the Kenya Kwanza government, including Transport PS Mohamed Daghar, adds a political dimension to the scandal that could have broader implications for the administration’s credibility.

Dr. Lusweti’s reported close ties to Musalia Mudavadi, a key figure in the Kenya Kwanza coalition, and her rumored political ambitions for the Kakamega Woman Representative seat, further complicate the political dynamics surrounding the scandal.

The Stakes

As one of East Africa’s largest ports and a critical gateway for international trade, KPA’s integrity is vital to Kenya’s economic prospects. The port handles the majority of cargo for landlocked countries including Uganda, South Sudan, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda, making any disruption to its operations a regional concern.

The business community’s petition represents more than just local frustration; it reflects broader concerns about governance standards in key state corporations and the potential impact of corruption on Kenya’s economic competitiveness.

What’s Next

President Ruto now faces mounting pressure to act decisively on the corruption allegations. The business leaders’ petition demanding complete dissolution of the KPA board represents one of the most direct challenges to his administration’s handling of corruption in state corporations.

The president’s response will likely be seen as a test of his commitment to fighting corruption and could set a precedent for how similar allegations against other state corporations are handled in the future.

As investigations continue and pressure mounts, the future of the embattled KPA board – and the broader integrity of the government’s anti-corruption drive – hangs in the balance. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether President Ruto will accede to the demands for wholesale changes at one of Kenya’s most important state corporations.

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Albert Omondi Ojwang
Crime & Investigations

He Was Killed: Pathologists Confirm Albert Ojwang’s Injuries Were Not Self-inflicted

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Albert Omondi Ojwang’s postmortem has confirmed that his injuries were not self-inflicted, as claimed earlier by the police.

The postmortem conducted on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, shows he died from severe head injury caused by blunt force trauma.

Pathologists confirmed the injuries were not self-inflicted and occurred over time, with multiple wounds to the head, neck, limbs, and body.

The autopsy was conducted by five pathologists led by Dr. Bernard Midia and Dr. Njoroge at the City Mortuary.

Inconsistent injury pattern

Midia said that the pattern of the injury was inconsistent, noting that hitting against the wall as claimed by the police would have a pattern.

“The pattern of the injury, especially the trauma I found on the head… hitting against a blunt substance like a wall would have a pattern,” he said.

Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, whose team witnessed the autopsy, confirmed the pathologist’s findings.

“The postmortem of Albert Ojwang is complete. It was conducted by 5 pathologists led by Dr. Bernard Midia and Dr. Njoroge. They came to a unanimous conclusion that the cause of death was severe head injury due to blunt force trauma. They also concluded that the injuries were not self-inflicted and did not happen at once. Besides the severe head injuries, the pathologists also confirmed multiple head, neck, limb, and body injuries caused by blunt force trauma,” Khalid wrote on X.

Albert Ojwang’s death

Ojwang died under disturbing circumstances while in police custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi, sparking outrage.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, in a press conference on Monday, June 9, shed light on the controversial arrest of Ojwang.

He revealed that Ojwang’s arrest, along with others, was triggered by a formal complaint from Lagat, who claimed his reputation was being tarnished by Ojwang’s social media posts.

“The reasons why the late Ojwang was arrested together with others are because there was a complaint that had been lodged by the DIG KPS about his name being tarnished,” Kanja said.

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Father Alloiss Cheruiyot Bett
Crime & Investigations

Another Catholic Priest Shot Dead

by The Star
written by The Star

A Catholic priest was shot dead on Thursday afternoon in a brutal ambush by armed bandits in Kerio Valley, a region long plagued by insecurity.

The priest, who had just concluded a Jumuiya (small Christian community) mass in Kakbiken village, was heading back to his base in Tot when he and a catechist were attacked.

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers sprayed bullets at the duo, killing the priest instantly. The catechist is still missing.

“They were ambushed by a group of armed youth who fired four bullets—three missed, but one struck the priest in the neck,” said a catechist based in Tot.

Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Peter Mulinge acknowledged receipt of reports on the incident and identified the deceased as Father Alloiss Cheruiyot Bett, a priest who was based at St Lumumba Catholic Church in Tot Parish.

“He was returning from prayers and was attacked on his way by people suspected to be bandits,” Mulinge said.

A security operation is underway in the area and Mulinge said it’s believed the bandits suspected the priest to be someone spying on them.

The attack took place around 2:30 pm, just a kilometre from a local police station.

A joint team of police officers, National Police Reservists (NPR), and residents launched a manhunt for the assailants, sparking an exchange of gunfire in the area.

The killing has left the community in shock and mourning. Tension remains high in the area as security forces pursue the attackers.

The murder comes just days after Catholic Bishop of Eldoret Dominic Kimengich raised the alarm over the resurgence of banditry in Kerio Valley.

Despite a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF)-led operation that has been ongoing for two years, fresh attacks continue to claim lives.

Bishop Kimengich, who has been informed of the priest’s death, is said to be on his way to the scene. In recent comments, he decried the persistent insecurity in the region.

“The government should not allow a few people to take us back with the killing of innocent people in Kerio Valley,” he warned.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has also been briefed on the incident, which is likely to renew calls for intensified security interventions in the troubled region.

The incident also happens as joint police teams in Nakuru and Nyandarua are investigating the murder of another Catholic priest.

Police picked Fr John Maina Ndegwa from the roadside after he was found unconscious and with serious injuries.

Ndegwa was the Father in charge of the Igwamiti Catholic Parish of Nyandarua.

According to police, he was found on the roadside in Kikopey, Gilgil, Nakuru, on Friday, May 16, over 50 kilometres from his workstation.

Police said they suspect he was injured elsewhere and his body was dumped at the site.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has since called on the general public to ignore speculation circulating online regarding the death of Father John Maina.

An autopsy was conducted on May 19, 2025, by Dr Ngulungu, a government pathologist.

“Preliminary findings revealed that the bruises observed on Fr Maina’s head were unlikely to be the cause of death. Consequently, samples were collected and sent for further toxicological analysis,” the DCI said.

Detectives are now pursuing forensic leads to reconstruct Fr Maina’s final movements, which they hope will lead them to his suspected killers.

Already, several statements have been recorded, with the DCI saying preliminary investigations have established that Fr Maina was being trailed by people who were demanding a share of money he was allegedly given by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after he presided over a silver jubilee anniversary ceremony of Igwamiti Catholic Parish.

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Crime & Investigations

Another Suspect Linked to MP Charles Ong’ondo Were’s Fatal Shooting Arrested, Getaway Motorcycle Recocoverd

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

In an intelligence-led operation, detectives have apprehended Amos Barasa Kasili at Kibera Darajani area, linking him to the tragic shooting of the late Kasipul MP, Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were, which occurred on April 30, 2025.

This arrest follows a thorough investigation that forensically connected Barasa to the main suspects and placed him at the crime scene on that fateful day.

It was revealed that Barasa served as the rider of the motorcycle with registration number KMFZ 413W, a Bajaj Boxer, which the assailants used to trail the MP’s vehicle and later as a getaway bike after the attack. Upon his arrest, Barasa was found in possession of the motorcycle in question.

Investigations uncovered that Barasa is a habitual criminal who masquerades as a Boda Boda operator, often collaborating with armed criminal gangs during their operations. During interrogation, he disclosed his involvement in the crime, revealing that he had been engaged by the main actors and received a payment of Ksh. 50,000 as part of his compensation.

Additionally, the motorcycle recovered from Barasa matches the description of the bike captured by CCTV footage near Parliament, which was seen trailing the late MP’s vehicle.

Profiling the suspect revealed his extensive criminal background, including previous incarceration at Industrial Area Prison, where he encountered some of the individuals involved in this heinous act.

Barasa is currently being processed for arraignment as investigations continue, with authorities committed to ensuring that justice is served.

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Crime & Investigations

4 Fake Gold Merchants Arrested in Runda After Scamming Foreigner Ksh25M

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Four fake gold merchants have been arrested in Runda estate by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), drawn from Nairobi region and Gigiri Police Station.

During the arrest, 9.5 Kg of fake gold was recovered. Assorted items that the suspects have been using to scam people were also recovered.

“A combined team of DCI officers drawn from the Nairobi region and DCI Gigiri have arrested four fake gold merchants at Runda estate and recovered fake gold bars weighing approximately 9.5 kgs and assorted items that the suspects have been using in their illicit trade,” DCI said in a statement issued on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Their arrest follows a report that was made by a foreign national who had been earlier deruaded of Ksh 20 million (USD 200,000).

Those arrested are Felix Odiambo Otieno, Derrick Odhiambo Omore, Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed and Moses Odhiambo Auma.

“The arrest of the four snake oil merchants follows a report from a foreign national who had earlier been defrauded USD 200,000 in a phony gold scheme,” the DCI stated.

“Upon receipt of the information, the detectives proceeded to a targeted dwelling house located within plot number 685 along Glory valley lane where they managed to arrest Felix Odiambo Otieno, Derrick Odhiambo Omore, Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed and Moses Odhiambo Auma as scores of other suspects managed to escape the detectives’ snare.”

Upon search of the house, several recoveries that include fake gold bars, a weighing machine, a plastic briefcase containing an electronic gold tester machine (tester gun), assorted documents among other items were made.

Subsequently, the scene was processed by CSI detectives, exhibits secured and suspects kept in custody pending processing and arraignment.

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