By Peter John
A Nairobi businesswoman was on Wednesday charged at the Milimani Law Courts with obtaining money by false pretences and conspiracy to defraud after she allegedly swindled her lover of more than Sh1.6 million in a fake road construction tender deal.
Tabitha Munee Mutua is accused of obtaining Sh1,674,000 from Moses Kiplagat Toroitich between 15th November 2024 and 18th November 2024 within the Nairobi Central Business District.
According to the prosecution, Mutua allegedly claimed she was in a position to secure Toroitich a slot in a KeRRA-funded road construction project in Makueni County through her company, Thomas Construction Limited—claims the prosecution says she knew were false.
The court heard that Toroitich gave her Sh1.2 million as part of the arrangement, which was to be repaid with interest.
The remainder of the money was reportedly solicited under the same pretence.
Mutua became emotional during the proceedings, telling the court that she had already entered an agreement with the complainant and investigators to repay the money in instalments.
She said she had already refunded Sh200,000 as part of that arrangement.
Her lawyer argued that both parties had discussed an out-of-court settlement and urged the court to consider lenient bail terms, noting that Mutua is a single mother.
The prosecution, however, maintained that the charges were serious and that the alleged fraudulent conduct warranted her being placed on trial.
Milimani Chief Magistrate granted Mutua a bond of Sh1 million or an alternative cash bail of Sh500,000 with one contact person.
The case is set for hearing on December 3, 2025, where the prosecution is expected to present its witnesses, including Toroitich and the investigating officer.
