By Andrew Kariuki
A Nairobi court is set to deliver its ruling tomorrow on whether to grant bail or bond to Omar Athman Omar, who is facing charges of obtaining money by false pretences in a case involving alleged Umrah travel fraud.
The prosecution has strongly opposed his release, arguing that the accused is a flight risk and should remain in custody pending the hearing and determination of the case.
According to an affidavit sworn by an investigating officer attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the accused allegedly obtained Ksh 774,000 from a complainant, Mohamed Salim Bahlewa, in December 2025.
The money was reportedly paid through bank transfers and M-Pesa after the accused claimed he could facilitate Umrah visas for the complainant and his family.
The prosecution told the court that despite receiving the funds, the accused failed to secure the visas and continued issuing assurances until the intended travel date of December 29, 2025 passed, after which he allegedly went silent.
Court documents indicate that investigations revealed the accused had left the country for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, effectively evading arrest and frustrating investigations.
He was eventually arrested on February 7, 2026 upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, an arrest the prosecution says was not voluntary.
In opposing bail, the prosecution argued that the accused has no known fixed place of abode within the court’s jurisdiction, raising concerns over his availability to attend trial if released.
Investigators further alleged that the accused presents himself as an imam and religious leader, a position they say gives him influence that could be used to intimidate or interfere with witnesses, including the complainant.
The prosecution also informed the court that investigations are ongoing and may reveal additional victims who were similarly defrauded under the guise of facilitating Umrah travel arrangements.
Another complaint of a similar nature has reportedly been lodged against the accused at Lang’ata Police Station, reinforcing claims of a pattern of conduct.
Additionally, the prosecution warned that releasing the accused could jeopardize efforts to trace and recover the alleged proceeds of crime and could expose the accused to potential harm from members of the public angered by the alleged fraud.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions maintained that the case against the accused is strong and supported by documentary evidence, including transaction records and communication logs linking him to the offence.
The court is expected to deliver a ruling on bail and bond terms on the matter tomorrow.
