By Peter John
A Nairobi court has granted bond to three accused persons facing multiple charges linked to an alleged fraudulent share transfer scheme dating back to 2012.
According to charge sheets filed in court, the accused include Jane Wangechi Kabiu, also known as Jane Kabiu Gitau, Eric Mwaura Karugu, and Benjamin Githara Karugu.
They are accused of conspiring to defraud, forgery, uttering false documents, and giving false information to a public officer.
The prosecution alleges that on unknown dates in 2012, Jane Wangechi Kabiu forged a share transfer form purporting it to be a genuine document belonging to Victoria Nyambura Karugu.
It is further alleged that she knowingly presented the forged document to the Registrar of Companies at the Business Registration Services, with the intention of deceiving authorities.
In a separate count, Eric Mwaura Karugu and Benjamin Githara Karugu are accused of giving false information to an investigator attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Prosecutors told the court that on 5 February 2025, the two allegedly misled IP Peter Ouma, causing him to undertake investigations he would not have otherwise conducted.
Upon consideration of the matter, the court granted the accused persons a bond of KSh 1.5 million each with one surety of a similar amount.
In the alternative, they were allowed a cash bail of KSh 700,000, alongside two contact persons.
As part of the bond conditions, the court ordered all accused persons to deposit their passports with the court.
The prosecution was also directed to supply the defence with all documents and witness statements intended for use during the trial.
The case is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on 20 January 2026, when the court is expected to confirm compliance with pre-trial procedures before setting hearing dates.
The accused persons denied the charges and will remain free on bond pending the hearing and determination of the case.
