Four suspects have been charged in a Nairobi court over allegations of extorting money from foreign traders in Nyamakima. The accused persons Peter Macharia Gatene, Runnalice Nyabura Nganga, Lawrence Ireri Karani and Josephat Mburu Kamau were arraigned in court on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, following their arrest on allegations of demanding hundreds of thousands of shillings from foreign-owned businesses.
The prosecution alleges that the four were part of a larger group of about 30 people who presented themselves as members of the “Nyamakima Business Community” and visited several businesses in the area on September 7. According to the allegations, the group inspected business documents, including business permits, KRA compliance certificates and directors’ details.
At one of the businesses, the group allegedly threatened to have the premises closed over purported non-compliance with regulatory requirements. The prosecution further alleges that the suspects demanded Sh300,000 from the business owner to allow the premises to continue operating.
The group is also accused of moving to another electrical appliances shop, where they allegedly demanded an additional Sh200,000.
The four denied all the charges. Magistrate Caroline Mugo granted them cashbail of SH20,000
