By Andrew Kariuki

Eric Kalala Mukendi, Emmanuel Wafula Othatcher, Willy Kiplimo Meto, Ronald Osonga Khejiri and David Onyango Ochanda are among several suspects charged in a gold fraud case involving USD 1,388,262.76 allegedly obtained from a complainant.

The court heard that the accused persons are facing charges of conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor under Section 394 of the Penal Code, with the alleged offence said to have taken place in Nairobi.

According to the charge sheet, the suspects are accused of falsely claiming they were in a position to facilitate the sale of 3,370 kilograms of gold to the complainant, Tanner Caldwell Cook, a representation prosecutors say was knowingly false.

When the matter came up in court before Magistrate Caroline Mugo, she directed that the bond and bail terms earlier granted to the accused persons will remain in force, allowing them to remain out of custody under the same conditions.

The case has now been scheduled for hearing on the 10th and 11th, when the court is expected to proceed with the taking of evidence.