A man has been arrested in Bamburi, Mombasa County, over allegations of obtaining Sh130,000 from a woman through a fraudulent short-term accommodation arrangement.
The suspect, identified as Nelson Okota Odhiambo, was arrested on Saturday by detectives attached to Nyali Sub-County following investigations into an alleged online rental scam. According to police, Odhiambo allegedly approached the woman claiming he could arrange Airbnb accommodation for her in Nyali.
He reportedly received Sh130,000 from the victim but failed to secure the promised accommodation, leaving her without a place to stay despite having made the payment.
Investigators suspect that the accused could have defrauded other people seeking holiday accommodation along the Coast, with similar fraudulent activities reportedly linked to Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties. Odhiambo remains in police custody pending his arraignment in court.
His arrest comes ahead of the festive season, when demand for holiday accommodation is expected to increase.
Police have cautioned members of the public against making payments to unverified accommodation providers, urging travellers to authenticate property listings and establish the identities of hosts before sending money.
