A lecturer at Kenyatta University, George Maina Muriithi, has been charged with fraud involving Ksh 55.5 million, which he allegedly obtained under false pretenses.
Appearing before Magistrate Robinson Ondieki at the Milimani Law Courts, Muriithi was accused of conspiring with unidentified accomplices to defraud businessman Martin Gitonga Kamanda. The court heard that between November 15, 2022, and January 1, 2024, Muriithi falsely claimed he would sell Kamanda 48,800 ordinary shares from Mara Ndovu Lodge Ltd in exchange for the funds.
He also faces charges of receiving Ksh 55.5 million from the law firm Otieno & Ambrose Advocates, despite allegedly knowing the funds were proceeds of crime. Prosecutors say he used the money to purchase properties.
The prosecution requested that Muriithi be denied bail, arguing he poses a flight risk. In response, Muriithi pleaded not guilty and told the court that the complainant is his brother-in-law, who has been in business with him since 2014. He claimed that family ties have soured and accused his sister of colluding with her husband to ruin him financially and misuse the justice system against him.
He asked the court for lenient bond terms, saying the fallout with his sister has left him impoverished.
Magistrate Ondieki ordered that Muriithi be held in custody until Tuesday, when a ruling on his bail and bond application will be delivered.
