Written by Were Kelly
A Nairobi woman has been arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts over allegations of defrauding a businesswoman of more than KSh 36 million in a fraudulent financial scheme.
Lilian Wangui Odwoma, also known as Lilian Weru, appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alegoon Friday, facing four counts of conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, and laundering proceeds of crime.
The prosecution alleges that between May 6 and May 20, 2024, in Westlands, Nairobi County, Odwoma conspired with others still at large to defraud Elizabeth Wanjiku Muigai of USD 50,000 and KSh 30 million.
In the second charge, Odwoma is accused of falsely claiming she could secure a Standby Letter of Credit from Pacific Concord International FZC in Dubai, through which she obtained the said funds.
The third and fourth counts, anchored in the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, allege that between May 6 and September 10, 2024, Odwoma knowingly acquired and used part of the fraudulent proceeds by depositing them into two Credit Bank accounts in her name to conceal their source.
The prosecution told the court they had no objection to Odwoma being released on bond but urged the magistrate to set terms commensurate with the gravity of the charges.
Her lawyer, Counsel Swaka, pleaded for lenient bail terms, stressing that Odwoma is not a flight risk as her residence is well known. He further told the court that she suffers from a cardiac condition, producing medical records in support of his application.
Swaka argued that Odwoma remains innocent until proven guilty and decried her overnight detention as “a punishment.” He told the court that Odwoma’s family could raise KSh 100,000 and comply with any conditions imposed to secure her attendance in court.
After considering submissions from both sides, Magistrate Alego ordered that Odwoma be released on a KSh 10 million bond or, in the alternative, a KSh 3 million cash bail. The magistrate further directed that Odwoma be taken to hospital for medical attention in light of her health condition.
The case will be mentioned again on August 25, 2025, for further directions.
