Seven suspects have been arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for allegedly posing as government officials to defraud two Swedish nationals of USD 470,750 (approximately Ksh61 million) in a sophisticated fake tender scheme executed within Harambee House.
According to investigators, the elaborate fraud began on January 10, 2026, when one of the victims, Talal Yousef Zaitoun, representing Swedish firm Jokara AB, received an unsolicited WhatsApp message from a man identifying himself as Stanley Ndawula.
The suspect later linked the investor to Geoffrey Were, a self-proclaimed consultant who claimed to have connections within government institutions.
Authorities say the victim was flown into Nairobi, received at the airport, and escorted to Harambee House, where a female accomplice allegedly facilitated unauthorized entry past security checkpoints.
Inside the building, the victims were introduced to individuals posing as officials from the National Treasury and the Ministry of Health. They were then presented with forged tender documents for the supply of 500 Toyota Hiace High Roof ambulances.
The documents included a fake pre-qualification certificate purportedly signed by senior government officials, lending credibility to the scheme.
Investigators revealed that the fraudsters offered two investment packages — USD 90,000 for a single five-year business opportunity or USD 110,000 for multiple opportunities. The victims opted for the higher package and transferred USD 110,000 on January 30, 2026.
A further USD 360,750 was sent on February 11 under the pretext of insurance, bringing the total amount lost to USD 470,750.
The syndicate was reportedly pushing for an additional USD 1,080,000 in phased payments when the victims returned to Kenya for further engagement, leading to the suspects’ arrest.
The seven suspects — Geoffrey Were Odondi, Michael Musyoki Ngumbi, Kororia Simatwa, Evans Simotwo, Allan Muthaiga Kariuki, Munialo Jared Masinde, and Purity Njeri Njiami — were arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts on March 16, 2026.
They face multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, acquisition of proceeds of crime, and forgery. All pleaded not guilty.
The court released them on a bond of Ksh5 million each or an alternative cash bail of Ksh300,000 with two sureties. Their passports were surrendered to the court.
The case is scheduled for mention on April 1, 2026.
The DCI emphasized that no serving government official was involved in the fraud, describing the suspects as external actors who exploited government institutions to carry out their scheme.
Authorities have urged both the public and international investors to remain vigilant, noting that all legitimate government tenders are advertised through official channels. They further cautioned that genuine tenders do not require upfront payments, insurance deposits, or transactions through private acco
