Seven suspects linked to an alleged multi-million shilling fraud involving a fake government contract have appeared in a Nairobi court, facing serious charges in what authorities are calling the Ksh60M Harambee House Scandal.
The suspects, including Michafi Musyoki Ngumbi and Evans Simotwo, are accused of conning a foreign national out of USD 470,750, roughly KSh60 million, by pretending they could secure a government tender for ambulances.
The court heard they allegedly used forged documents and false promises to make the deal seem legitimate, a scheme that has shaken investor confidence in Kenya.
Court Proceedings Unveil Details of Ksh60M Harambee House Scandal
The seven suspects—Michafi Musyoki Ngumbi, Evans Simotwo, Geofrey Were Odondi, Allan Mutahi Kariuki, Purity Nieri Niamu, Muniaro Jared Masinde, and Kororia Simatwa—appeared before Milimani Chief Magistrate Teresa Nyangena. All denied the charges. However, their co-accused, Rose Mbuthia, failed to appear, prompting the court to issue summons requiring her presence.
Court documents reveal the suspects allegedly connived to defraud a foreign national, Talal Yousef Yousef Zaitoun, of USD 470,750 (approximately KSh60 million). Between January 10 and February 25, 2026, the accused claimed they could secure a Kenyan government tender for 500 high-roof diesel Toyota Hiace ambulances. Prosecutors stated these claims were entirely false.
The suspects reportedly misrepresented themselves as having the capacity to facilitate a government contract purportedly from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration. Investigators say these representations were fabricated to convince the victim to release funds.
Fraud by False Pretences
One of the accused, Geofrey Were Odondi, faces charges of obtaining money by false pretences. Prosecutors allege that Odondi received USD 450,750 through Lianyungang Chanta International Wood Company Limited, under the guise of facilitating the non-existent ambulance deal.
Further, Odondi is charged with acquiring proceeds of crime, having deposited the funds into an Equity Bank account registered under Damira Multiactivities, fully aware that the money came from a fraudulent scheme. Investigators describe this as a calculated move to launder the funds and evade detection.
Forgery and Fabrication
Michafi Musyoki Ngumbi faces two counts of forgery, a central element of the Ksh60M Harambee House Scandal. He allegedly forged a contract agreement purportedly between the Ministry of Interior and a foreign firm, Jokara AB, for the ambulance supply.
Ngumbi is also accused of creating a falsified letter of notification of award, giving the impression that the contract was legitimately awarded. Prosecutors argue these documents were intended to mislead the victim into transferring funds, making the scam appear official and credible.
Court Decisions and Next Steps
Chief Magistrate Teresa Nyangena released each of the seven suspects present in court on a cash bail of Sh300,000. She directed that Rose Mbuthia appear as summoned. The case is scheduled for mention at a later date, giving prosecutors more time to consolidate evidence and prepare for trial.
The Ksh60M Harambee House Scandal has drawn public attention for its audacity and sophistication. Analysts warn that such schemes undermine investor confidence and highlight gaps in due diligence when foreign entities interact with Kenyan businesses. Authorities say they are determined to pursue all avenues to hold those responsible accountable.
The accused remain free on bail but under strict court directives. Investigators continue to trace the funds and examine how the alleged scam was orchestrated. Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for handling multi-million shilling fraud cases, particularly those involving foreign nationals and alleged government tenders.
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