A Nairobi businessman has been charged with defrauding a man of millions of shillings in an alleged investment scam.
Walter Wekhanya Keya appeared before Makadara Senior Resident Magistrate Stephany Bett, where he denied three charges, including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences and handling proceeds of crime.
The prosecution alleges that Keya and other individuals conspired between May and October 2023 to obtain Sh15.1 million from Constant Wanyonyi. According to the charges, the accused allegedly convinced Wanyonyi that they had the ability to invest the money in a business venture. The alleged scheme is said to have taken place in the Drive Inn area of Starehe Sub-County, Nairobi.
Keya faces a separate count accusing him of obtaining Sh5.1 million from Wanyonyi through the same alleged misrepresentation. The prosecution further alleges that Keya was found in possession of the Sh5.1 million despite knowing that the money represented proceeds from a criminal offence allegedly committed by him or other individuals.
Principal Prosecution Counsel Maureen Mwenesa told the court that the State would not object to Keya being released on bail or bond as he awaits trial. Magistrate Bett subsequently granted him a Sh10 million bond accompanied by a surety of a similar amount. The court also provided an alternative option of Sh5 million cash bail.
Keya will remain subject to the court’s conditions as the case proceeds.
