Life sentenced inmate orchestrates 7.6 million Kes fraud from Kamiti Prison, gets his mother in trouble

Kamiti maximum security prison is under close scrutiny following a suspected 7.6 million Kes (about 121,000 euros) fraud orchestrated by a convict.

Hesbon Onyango Nyamweya, who is currently serving a life sentence for defilement, is accused of plotting a complex fraud scheme while behind bars. He reportedly defrauded businesswoman Purity Karambu Laird in a fictitious property deal.

The fraud came to light when Ms Laird alleged that she had been defrauded of Kes7.6 million by an individual who claimed to have access to prime land for sale. Investigators from the DCI Serious Crime Unit identified Nyamweya as the mastermind of the fraud.

The revelation has raised concerns about collusion or negligence among prison staff, and has questioned the effectiveness of security measures designed to prevent inmates from engaging in illegal activities while in prison.

Despite his imprisonment, Nyamweya communicated with Laird for seven months, convincing her that he could broker the sale of nonexistent land.

From May 1, 2020, to September 17, 2020, Nyamweya was in regular telephone contact with Laird, building her trust and presenting herself as a reputable land seller. Without knowing that she was dealing with a convict, Laird transferred the money to an account provided by Nyamweya.

After the transaction, investigators allege, Nyamweya transferred the money to his elderly mother, Pamela Akinyi Wara, in several instalments over nearly five months. Wara then used the money to buy properties in Ongata Rongai, Lang'ata and Migori Counties.

Investigators have also revealed that Wara used part of the funds to build a multi-million shilling residential building in Ongata Rongai.

Wara appeared before the Milimani Law Court on Friday and was charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, theft and receiving stolen goods under Section 322 (1) of the Penal Code. The charge sheet states: “Wara conspired with others not before the court and with Hesbon Onyango Nyamweya, who is serving a sentence at Kamiti Maximum Prison, to commit a crime, namely theft of Sh7,656,500, property of Purity Karambu Laird.”

Wara, who appeared weak, pleaded not guilty to the charge, claiming she did not know the source of the money and was convinced it was earned legitimately.

However, the prosecution argued that Wara was fully aware of the fraudulent activities and played a significant role in laundering the proceeds from property investments. It urged the court to issue a production order to bring Nyamweya to court to face the charges along with his mother.

Justice Shitubi stressed the seriousness of the charges and the need for a thorough investigation to bring all those involved to justice. Wara was released on bail of Kes 2 million and is scheduled to appear in court on September 5 for further hearing.