A Nairobi woman has been charged at the Milimani Law Courts with defrauding a complainant of over KSh 36 million.
Lilian Wangui Odwoma, also known as Lilian Weru, is accused of conspiring with others still at large to defraud Elizabeth Wanjiku Muigai of USD 50,000 and KSh 30 million between May 6 and May 20, 2024, in Westlands, Nairobi.
In the second count, prosecutors allege that Odwoma obtained the funds by falsely claiming she could secure a Standby Letter of Credit from Pacific Concord International FZC in Dubai.
She also faces money laundering charges. The court heard that between May 6 and September 10, 2024, she allegedly received and deposited the funds believed to be proceeds of crime into two Credit Bank accounts in her name to conceal their origin, contrary to the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Lawyer Brian Kariithi appeared in court representing the complainant.
Defence counsel, Swaka, urged the court to grant lenient bail terms, arguing that Odwoma is not a flight risk as her residence is known. He stressed that she remains innocent until proven guilty and criticised her overnight detention before arraignment as punitive. Swaka proposed that her family could raise KSh 100,000 and comply with any other conditions to secure her release.
The magistrate ordered a pre-bail report to be filed by August 18, 2025, when further directions will be issued. Odwoma will remain in custody until then
