Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang has dismissed claims linking him to a high-profile fraud case involving seven suspects arrested at Harambee House, terming the allegations as false, malicious, and defamatory.
The controversy follows a report by a local publication alleging that the suspects defrauded two foreign nationals Talal Yousef Yousef Zaitoun and Hatem Youssef Yousef Zaitoun, representatives of Swedish firm Jokara AB in a fictitious tender deal involving the supply of 500 Toyota Hiace High Roof ambulances.
The report further claimed that two of the suspects were attached to the office of Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, while two others were alleged to be aides to Senator Chesang.
Chesang Rejects Allegations
Through his legal team, Senator Chesang strongly denied any association with the suspects, stating that the publication unfairly implicated him in criminal activity without giving him an opportunity to respond.
“The headline and misleading article portray our client as being involved in a criminal racket and fraudulent scheme and impute that he is a mastermind or participant in corrupt and illegal dealings,” his lawyers said in a statement.
They further argued that the claims had caused significant reputational harm, exposing the senator to public ridicule and damaging his standing.
“The impugned publications have severely injured his reputation, lowered him in the estimation of right-thinking members of society, and caused him immense distress and embarrassment,” the statement added.
DCI Clarification
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had earlier dismissed reports suggesting the involvement of government officials in the case, describing them as misleading and sensational.
According to the DCI, the suspects were external fraudsters who posed as senior officials from key government institutions, including the Ministry of Interior, the National Treasury, and the Ministry of Health, to deceive foreign investors.
Investigators revealed that the group gained unauthorized access to Harambee House, where they used official-looking settings to lend credibility to their scheme.
Court Proceedings Ongoing
The seven suspects were arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on March 16, 2026, facing multiple 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 each or an alternative Ksh.300,000 cash bail, with two sureties required. Their passports were surrendered to the court.
The case is scheduled for mention on April 1, 2026, as investigations continue.
