Written by Joyce Nzomo
A man has been arraigned before a Nairobi court to answer to charges of money laundering and acquisition of proceeds of crime.
According to the charge sheet, Joseph Wambugu Wachiuri, between the 9th day of May 2025 and the 14th day of May 2025, at Nairobi County in the Republic of Kenya, jointly with others not before court, entered into an arrangement to conceal the sum of KSh 5,921,600, obtained by false pretenses from Grace Njeri Irungu, by acquiring motor vehicles registration numbers KDL 252U (grey Ford Ranger) and KDT 605S.
The charge sheet further states that on or about the 14th day of May 2025, Wachiuri acquired motor vehicle KDT 605S, knowing or having reason to know that it was derived from the proceeds of crime. In an alternative charge, he is accused of being in possession of the said motor vehicle under similar circumstances.
In a third count, the charge sheet indicates that on or about the 23rd day of May 2025, having acquired the said vehicle KDT 605S, he transferred its ownership to Mercy Wangari Wachiuri with intent to conceal or disguise its ownership, knowing or having reason to know that it was derived from the proceeds of crime.
Wachiuri pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The prosecution told the court that the matter is related to another case already before court and applied for the two files to be consolidated.
Chief Magistrate Alego directed that the case will be mentioned tomorrow, 23rd September 2025, for consolidation of the two files and for further directions, including on bail and bond terms.
