The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has dismissed reports linking government officials to a high-profile fraud case involving seven suspects arrested at Harambee House, describing the claims as misleading and sensational.
The case, first reported by The Standard, involves allegations that the suspects defrauded two foreign investors Talal Yousef Yousef Zaitoun and Hatem Youssef Yousef Zaitoun, representatives of Swedish firm Jokara AB in a fictitious tender deal for the supply of 500 Toyota Hiace High Roof ambulances.
DCI Clarification
In a statement issued on March 20, 2026, the DCI clarified that the suspects arrested on March 10 were not government officials, but external fraudsters who exploited access to Harambee House to deceive their victims.
According to investigators, the suspects gained unauthorized entry into a boardroom on the 12th floor, where they posed as senior officials from key institutions, including the Ministry of Interior, the National Treasury, and the Ministry of Health.
“The arrested persons were purely external fraudsters who exploited public institutions for criminal gain,” the DCI stated.
How the Scheme Unfolded
Investigations reveal the scheme began on January 10, 2026, when Talal Zaitoun received an unsolicited WhatsApp message from a suspect identified as Stanley Ndawula, who requested company details before linking him to another suspect, Geoffrey Were, posing as a consultant.
The victim travelled to Kenya on January 26 and was received at the airport by the suspects before being escorted to Harambee House. Authorities say a female accomplice facilitated their passage through security checkpoints.
Inside the premises, the victim met individuals posing as government officials and was presented with forged documents, including a fake pre-qualification certificate purportedly signed by senior officials.
The fraudsters offered two investment packages, prompting the victim to transfer USD 110,000 (Ksh.14.1 million) on January 30, 2026. A further Ksh.46.4 million was later paid under the pretext of insurance, bringing the total loss to Ksh.60.6 million.
Subsequent demands for an additional Ksh.139 million raised suspicion, leading the victims to re-engage authorities, ultimately resulting in the suspects’ arrest.
Arrests and Court Proceedings
Those arrested include Geoffrey Were Odondi, Michael Musyoki Ngumbi, Kororia Simatwa, Evans Simotwo, Allan Muthaiga Kariuki, and Munialo Jared Masinde. A seventh suspect, Purity Njeri, a former public service employee, is accused of facilitating unauthorized access to Harambee House.
The suspects were arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on March 16, 2026, facing charges including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, forgery, and handling proceeds of crime. They pleaded not guilty and were released on a Ksh.3 million bond or Ksh.300,000 cash bail, with two sureties required. Their passports were also surrendered.
The case is scheduled for mention on April 1, 2026, for pre-trial directions.
Public Advisory
The DCI reiterated that no serving government official, including staff from the Ministry of Interior, was involved in the scheme. The agency urged both local and international investors to exercise caution, emphasizing that legitimate government tenders are advertised through official channels and do not require upfront payments or facilitation fees.
The case highlights growing concerns over sophisticated fraud schemes targeting foreign investors by exploiting the credibility of public institutions.
