By Andrew Kariuki
Seven suspects have been charged in connection with an alleged fraudulent scheme that used government premises at Harambee House to lure foreign investors into a fictitious tender deal.
According to a statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects were arrested on March 10, 2026, after gaining unauthorized access to a boardroom on the 12th floor of Harambee House, where they allegedly posed as officials from various government ministries.
Investigators say the group targeted two foreign nationals representing a Swedish company, whom they allegedly misled into believing they had secured a government tender to supply 500 Toyota Hiace high-roof ambulances.
The court heard that the scheme began in January 2026 when one of the victims received a WhatsApp message from an individual identified as Stanley Ndawula, who later connected him to another suspect posing as a consultant working with government entities.
The victims later travelled to Kenya, where they were received and escorted to Harambee House. They were allegedly allowed past security checkpoints and taken to a conference room, where they met individuals presented as officials from the National Treasury and Ministry of Health.
They were shown documents said to be official tender papers, including what the prosecution describes as forged prequalification certificates purportedly signed by senior government officers.
The suspects allegedly offered two business packages—USD 90,000 for a single opportunity or USD 110,000 for multiple opportunities. The victims opted for the latter and transferred USD 110,000, followed by an additional USD 360,750 under the pretext of insurance, bringing the total amount involved to USD 470,750.
At the time of the arrests, the suspects were allegedly seeking further payments exceeding USD 1 million, prompting the victims to return to Kenya, where the arrests were made.
Those charged include Geoffrey Were Odondi, Michael Musyoki Ngumbi, Kororia Simatwa, Evans Simotwo, Allan Muthaiga Kariuki, Munialo Jared Masinde, and Purity Njeri Njiami, who is said to have facilitated access to the premises despite not holding any current government position.
They were arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts on March 16, 2026, where they faced charges including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, acquisition of proceeds of crime, and forgery. All the accused pleaded not guilty and were released on bond of Ksh 5 million each or an alternative cash bail of Ksh 300,000 with sureties.
The matter is scheduled for mention on April 1, 2026, for pre-trial directions.
Authorities stated that no serving government officials were involved in the alleged scheme and that the suspects were acting independently while impersonating public officers.
Members of the public and potential investors have been cautioned to verify government tenders through official channels, as legitimate procurement processes do not require upfront payments or deposits to private accounts.
