By Andrew Kariuki
Eight people have been arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts over an alleged multi-million shilling fraud involving a fake government tender for the supply of ambulances.
Those charged are Michael Musyoki Ngumbi, Evans Simotwo, Geoffrey Were Odondi, Allan Muthai Karuki, Faith Nyeri Namuye, Munyaro Jared Masinde, Koroska Malatya and Rose Muthila. They face a range of offences, including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, forgery and handling proceeds of crime.
Prosecutors told the court that the group is accused of orchestrating a scheme between January and late February 2026, targeting a foreign national, Talal Yousef Yousef Zaitoun. The suspects allegedly convinced him they had the capacity to secure a lucrative government deal to supply 500 high-roof diesel Toyota Hiace ambulances.
In court filings, the prosecution claims the suspects deliberately misrepresented themselves as having access to government procurement channels, despite knowing they had no such authority.
Through these claims, the group is said to have received USD 470,750 via a company identified as Lianyungang Chanta International Wood Company Limited, presenting the transaction as part of a legitimate tender process.
One of the accused, Geoffrey Were Odondi, is separately charged with receiving and controlling funds believed to be proceeds of crime. Investigators allege that USD 450,750 from the transaction was channelled into an Equity Bank account linked to an entity known as Damira Multi Activities.
The prosecution maintains that the funds were knowingly handled despite their alleged criminal origin.
Michael Musyoki Ngumbi is also facing specific forgery-related charges. He is accused of preparing and circulating documents intended to give the scheme an appearance of legitimacy.
Among the documents cited is a purported award letter dated January 29, 2026, allegedly made to resemble an official communication from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration. He is further accused of fabricating a contract agreement suggesting that a foreign company had formally secured the ambulance supply deal.
According to investigators, these documents were deliberately designed to mislead and reinforce the credibility of the alleged tender.
Authorities believe the case reflects a well-coordinated operation involving multiple individuals, the creation of false government paperwork, and structured financial transactions to move the funds.
The eight accused appeared in court where the charges were read out, marking the start of what is expected to be a closely followed case. Proceedings will continue as the prosecution works to establish the extent of the alleged fraud and each suspect’s role in the scheme.
