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Inside Airbnb Referral Chain That Led to Booking in Starlet Wahu Murder Case Milimani Court on Tuesday heard how a chain of referrals among Airbnb operators led to the booking of Unit Y32 at Papino Apartments in South C, a unit linked to the death of socialite Starlet Wahu Mwangi. Airbnb host Florence Ngina told Justice Alexander Muteti that the booking made on January 3, 2024 was not done through a direct platform, but through a chain of referrals between short-term rental operators. The court heard that Ngina was first contacted by a fellow host identified as Charity, who relayed a client request from another operator, Jane, who was seeking a one-bedroom apartment with a balcony. Accused John Matara during a hearing case at the Milimani law courts Ngina testified that she and Jane had an arrangement where referred bookings attracted a commission of KSh 500, a practice she said was common among Airbnb operators sharing clients within the network. “After confirming the apartment was av...

Court Releases Jared Omariba on Sh500,000 Bond in Alleged Sh633,000 Binance Account Hack A Nairobi court has released Jared Amima Omariba on a Sh500,000 bond after he denied charges of unauthorized access to a computer system involving an alleged Sh633,000 Binance account hack. Omariba, also known as “Maddzoneash,” is accused of accessing a mobile phone and a Binance cryptocurrency account belonging to Joe Irungu Mwangi and stealing 4,900 USDC, valued at approximately Sh633,300. The alleged offence is said to have occurred on September 12, 2025, at the Beneath the Baobab Festival campsite in Kilifi County. Jared Amima Omariba before Milimani law courts on April 20,2026 Omariba who appeared before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina at the Milimani Law Courts, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Through his defence, Omariba requested lenient bond terms, stating that he is a 24-year-old recent college graduate from a struggling family and has ties within Nairobi.  His lawyer also asked the c...

Patrick Katua Mutinda has denied charges of obtaining Sh 4.26 million by false pretences at the Milimani Law Courts, after taking plea following the closure of a miscellaneous file that had been before Senior Principal Magistrate Thamara Irene. The prosecution alleges that Mutinda obtained the money from complainants after claiming he could secure them slots in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment. The prosecution had told the court previously that Mutinda and his co-accused Anthony Muthangya allegedly defrauded Nicholas Wambua Muthangya and his family of more than sh 4.5 million. Accused Patrick Katua Mutinda before Milimani law courts Magistrate on April 20,2026 In seeking lenient bond terms, the defence told the court that efforts to refund the money are already underway. “Part of the money has already been refunded, and as recently as yesterday evening, the accused and the complainant were in communication regarding settlement of the remaining balance,” counsel said. The cour...

A certificate of urgency has been filed at the High Court in Nairobi opposing attempts to halt the ongoing criminal trial against Benson Sande Ndeta. The application seeks to have the matter certified as urgent and heard on priority basis, even as new parties move to be enjoined in the proceedings. The application has been filed through advocate Danstan Omari and is supported by a sworn affidavit dated April 14, 2026, by John Gachanga Kaiganaine, who is seeking admission as an interested party. Counsel argues that he has a direct and substantial interest in the matter and should be allowed to participate before any orders affecting the trial are issued. Gachanga is also seeking the joinder of Savannah Heights Limited as an interested party alongside Donald Kiboro Mwaura, stating that their participation is necessary for the fair determination of the issues before court. Counsel Danstan Omari,John Gachanga an interested party during a press briefing outside Milimani law courts on April ...

A Nairobi court has allowed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to detain nine suspects for five days as investigations continue into the murder of Brian Mwendo. The nine suspects are Maxwel Mwanzu, Esther Wanjiru, Sheril Okello, Jedida Kamau, Grace Mutheu, Rosmary Wambui, Marry Muhonja, Monica Wanjiku, and Catherine Mutheu. First to Sixth Suspect:Maxwel Mwanzu, Esther Wanjiru, Sheril Okello, Jedida Kamau, Grace Mutheu, Rosmary Wambui, before Milimani law courts on April 13,2026 The deceased, Brian Mwendo, died after sustaining fatal injuries following an alleged assault at Somer Club, a popular Nairobi club in the CBD, on April 4, 2026. He was later rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspects are being held at Central Police Station as detectives continue with investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Third to Ninth suspects Sheril Okello, Jedida Kamau, Grace Mutheu, Rosmary Wambui, Marry Muhonja, Monica Wan...

https://www.echonewsdigital.co.ke/2026/04/suspect-in-fake-kdf-recruitment-scheme.html?m=1 The court has granted the prosecution five days to detain a man identified as Patrick Katua Mutinda, who is accused of running a fake recruitment scheme targeting members of the public with promises of securing jobs in the Kenya Defence Forces. Mutinda appeared before the Milimani magistrate Courts, where investigators sought more time to conclude what they described as an organized fraud network involving multiple accomplices. The prosecution, led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), told the court that Mutinda and his co-accused Anthony Muthangya allegedly defrauded Nicholas Wambua Muthangya and his family of more than sh 4.5 million. Suspect Patrick Katua Mutinda before Milimani magistrate court on April 13,2026 The court heard that the complainant was allegedly promised a slot in the 2025 KDF recruitment exercise, wit...

Twelve suspects have been charged before a Nairobi court over allegations of using forged academic certificates in an attempt to secure employment in the National Police Service, with each accused person facing separate charges that were read out individually in court. The accused persons — Moses Kobia, Brian Wekesa Mulonho, Geoffrey Mutahi, Felix Kelel Kishenkop, Hashim Kahindi Furaha, Eugene Kipchirchir, Brian Kipkemoi Cheruiyot, Irene Wanja, William Ngacha Ngatia, Kipchumba Kevin, Kevin Mutusi Mutua, and Kasie Morgan Inyasa. Each were  arraigned and separately charged with forgery and uttering false documents, contrary to Sections 345 and 353 of the Penal Code where they pleaded not guilty before Milimani Magistrate Paul Mutai. The accused persons before Milimani law courts during plea taking/Photo/reporter  The court heard that the suspects allegedly forged Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates in their respective names, which were then used in an at...

A Nairobi court heard a bail application in a case involving a suspect accused of orchestrating a Sh60 million government tender scam linked to allegations of fraud, forgery, and obtaining money by false pretences. The prosecution alleges that "between September and December 2023, Joy Wangari Kamau conspired to defraud a complainant, Vijay Virma, by falsely claiming she could secure a government tender for the supply of laptops and accessories to the Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy.”prosecution alleged. Joy Wangari Kamau before Milimani Residing Magistrate Joan Mati on March 31,2026/Photo/Reporter Wangari is further accused of obtaining USD 398,000 (approximately Sh60 million) through the alleged scheme and forging a Request for Quotation document referenced MICT/VOL.I/VACC/2023-1 to make the transaction appear legitimate. The accused denied all charges when she appeared before the Milimani Law Courts, where she is facing three counts arising from the al...

Nairobi Law Firm Employee Charged with Sh3.45M Money Laundering Case A Nairobi law firm employee has been charged before a court with multiple counts of money laundering and obtaining money by false pretences involving Sh3.45 million. Mercy Wangari Wachiuri denied the charges, which allege that she handled proceeds of crime amounting to Sh3,450,000, said to have been fraudulently obtained from Grace Njeri Irungu through a fake goods transaction involving the supply of rice and sugar. The prosecution told the court that between May 14 and August 2025, the accused allegedly participated in concealing the funds, which were proceeds of crime from the fraudulent scheme. Mercy Wangari Wachiuri before Milimani magistrate court on March 31st 2026/photo/reporter  Investigators further alleged that part of the money was used to purchase an orange Ford Ranger, registration number KDT 605S, which is believed to be proceeds of crime. The court also heard that the accused allegedly transferred o...

Duo Accused of Posing as EACC Officers to Defraud Victim Freed on Sh200,000 Bond Two suspects, Anastacia Mueni Kavemba and Stephen Mulei Ngati, have been released on bond after being charged with allegedly obtaining money by falsely posing as officials from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). According to the prosecution, on March 29, 2026, the duo conspired to defraud Hero Bwanamaka Said by presenting themselves as officers attached to the anti-graft agency. The two appeared before Milimani Magistrate Joan Mati, where they both pleaded not guilty to the charges. Through their lawyer, the accused persons sought lenient bail terms, arguing that they have strong ties to the community, fixed places of residence, and had fully cooperated with investigators.  The two accused: Anastacia Mueni Kavemba and Stephen Mulei Ngati before Milimani law courts on March 31,2026 The defence also raised concerns that they were not arraigned within the legally required timeframe followin...

Suspect arraigned in 600,000 Fake Gold Scam, Released on Sh5M bond A suspect has been arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts over an alleged USD 600,000 fake gold scam targeting a foreign national. The accused, Duncan Okaka Okonji, appeared before court on March 25, 2026, where he was charged with conspiracy to defraud contrary to Section 317 of the Penal Code. He denied the charge. Court records indicate that Okonji was arrested on March 24, 2026, and initially granted a cash bail of Sh100,000.  However, the prosecution successfully applied for a review of the bond terms, arguing that the amount involved in the alleged fraud was substantial and denominated in US dollars. Accused Duncan Okaka Okonji before Milimani law courts on March 26,2026/ photo/ reporter The court subsequently revised the terms, releasing the accused on a bond of Sh5 million or an alternative cash bail of Sh1 million, with two contact persons required. Suspect arraigned in 600,000 Fake Gold Scam, Released on Sh5...

A Nairobi court has heard that the same individual appears in a series of photographs and video footage presented as evidence in an inquest into the death of Rex Masai, who was allegedly shot during protests in the Central business district. Appearing before presiding magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo at the Milimani Law Courts, a senior forensic analyst from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), Joshua Mutua, told the court that his analysis established consistency between images and video clips captured on June 18 and June 20, 2024. Mutua, who has over 10 years’ experience in crime scene investigations, testified that he received a 16GB flash disk from the investigating officer, Justin Nyatete, on July 14, 2025, for forensic examination. He said the request required him to print and certify photographs, determine the authenticity of video recordings, and prepare a report on the contents of the storage device. A photo of Rex Masai who was shot during the June 2024 anti-finan...

The Court of Appeal of Kenya has dismissed an application by the Assets Recovery Agency seeking to halt the execution of a High Court decision involving former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko Mbuvi Gideon Kioko. In a ruling delivered in Nairobi on March 25, 2026, a three-judge bench comprising K. M’Inoti, E. C. Mwita and B. Ongaya dismissed the Agency’s application, terming it as lacking merit. In courts The Agency had moved to the appellate court under Rule 5(2)(b) seeking a stay of execution of a High Court judgment delivered on October 1, 2025, by Prof. Sifuna.  The lower court had dismissed its case, finding insufficient evidence to prove that the funds in question were proceeds of crime. In its application, the Agency argued that under Section 97 of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA), preservation orders should remain in force pending the outcome of an appeal. However, Sonko’s legal team countered that the High Court decision was a “negative order” — mea...

Court orders Arrest of Blogger over failure to appear A Nairobi court has issued a warrant of arrest against blogger Kitovoto Mutinda after he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing in a case filed by Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi . Mutinda is facing nine counts of publishing false information against the legislator, contrary to Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018 . The matter, which was set for hearing on Monday, March 23, 2026, before Milimani Principal Magistrate Rose Ndombi , could not proceed after both the accused and his lawyer failed to attend court. Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi previously before Milimani Law Court The case had previously been adjourned after the defence informed the court that Mutinda was unwell and unable to appear. During the latest session, the complainant successfully applied for the issuance of a warrant of arrest, noting the accused’s absence and alleging that he had continued to publish information against h...

The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has moved to court seeking an additional month to complete investigations into the alleged loss of sh72.8 million under the Kazi Majuu programme at the Ministry of Labour. The Four suspects:Rahma Ochieng Pacho, Rachael Njoki Kariuki, Vincent Oyugi Omondi, and Samuel Kibuti Njue,are under investigation over claims of conspiracy to defraud, abuse of office, and offences linked to money laundering and proceeds of crime. Appearing before Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina on Monday, March 23, 2026, the prosecution made an oral request for more time, stating that investigations were still ongoing.  From right,Rahma Ochieng, Njoki Kariuki, Oyugi Omondi and Kibuti Njue appear before Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina on Friday, January 30, 2026. The investigating officer reportedly indicated that key aspects of the probe remain incomplete. The court was further informed that investigators are planning to travel to Dubai to record additi...

A Milimani court has allowed the prosecution to withdraw all charges against three accused persons under Section 87(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code, in a case linked to the alleged failure to lodge financial statements for Nairobi Hospital. The application made by state prosecutor Norah Otieno and others told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) required more time to review the case file and would not proceed with the charges at this stage. The move was strongly opposed by the defence team led by Senior Counsel James Orengo, alongside Charles Kanjama of the LSK, Nelson Havi, Peter Wanyama, Abner Onyango, Wanjira Maina and Paul Isaac. The three Barcley Mogere Onyambu, Magdalene Koki Muthoka, and John Nyiro Mweru before the Milimani magistrate court on March 23,2026 Orengo termed the application an abuse of the criminal justice system, questioning the rationale of filing charges only to withdraw them before they are read in court. “It is unfortunate that the prosecu...

Seven government officials charged in connection with a Sh60 million ambulance tender scam have been freed on 5 million bond after a court ruling, even as prosecutors laid out details of an alleged scheme involving fake government deals and forged documents. According to the prosecution, the accused conspired to defraud a foreign national by falsely claiming they could secure a lucrative tender for the supply of 500 Toyota Hiace ambulances through the Ministry of Interior. In the process, they allegedly obtained over USD 470,000 using falsified contracts and letters of award to make the deal appear legitimate. Appearing before Milimani law court, the prosecution confirmed that investigations had been concluded and formal charges filed against all accused persons. Accused persons Michael Musyoki Ngumbi, Evans Simotwo, Geoffrey Were Odondi, Allan Mutahi Kariuki, Purity Njeri Niamu, Muniaro Jared Masinde, Kororia Simatwa and Rose Mbuthia. “The investigations are complete and the office h...

A Nairobi court has convicted six people in connection with a string of violent robberies carried out hours before the fatal shooting of former Kabete MP George Muchai and his aides in 2015. The judgment, delivered at the Milimani Law Courts under Section 215 of the Criminal Procedure Code, concluded a case that has been in court for more than a decade after the suspects were first arraigned in 2015. The Six:Erick Muyera Isabwa,Raphael Kimani Gachii,Mustafa Kimani Anyonyi,Stephen Astiva Lipapo, Jane,Wanjiru Kamau,Margaret Njeri Wachiuri before court on March 13,2026 The seven accused persons in the case were Erick Muyera Isabwa alias Chairman, Raphael Kimani Gachii alias Kim Butcher, Mustafa Kimani Anyonyi alias Musto, Stephen Astiva Lipapo alias Chokore, Jane Wanjiru Kamau alias Shiro, Margaret Njeri Wachiuri and Simon Wambugu Gichamba. The seven Accused persons before Milimani law courts on March 13,2026 They faced several charges including robbery with violence and unlawful possessi...

A Nairobi court has acquitted the seventh accused person in the robbery with violence case linked to the killing of former Kabete MP George Muchai, bringing to an end an 11-year trial that began in 2015. Simon Wambugu Gichamba, the seventh accused person, was found not guilty of counts 1, 2 and 3 and ordered to be set at liberty unless otherwise lawfully held, ending more than a decade in custody in connection with the case. Simon Wambugu Gichamba seventh accused during his judgement before Milimani law courts Delivering the judgment at the Milimani Law Courts, Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina stated: “Each of the fifth, sixth and seventh accused persons is not guilty of counts numbers 1, 2 and 3 and is each acquitted of the said counts.” The Milimani court further directed: “The seventh accused person, who has been acquitted of all the counts, is ordered to be set at liberty unless otherwise lawfully held.” The court heard that Gichamba had been arrested after a Nokia phone stolen from o...

A Nairobi court has issued arrest warrants for 20 suspects and eight medical facilities over an alleged Sh28 million fraud linked to the Social Health Authority (SHA). The move follows an application by prosecution counsel Joyce Olajo after the suspects failed to appear in court to take plea on charges approved by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). According to the prosecution, the accused face multiple charges including conspiracy to defraud, operating unlicensed health facilities, acquisition and use of proceeds of crime, unauthorised access to computer systems, computer fraud, obtaining money by false pretence, and abuse of office. In courts  Court documents state that the suspects allegedly orchestrated a scheme to fraudulently register medical facilities under the SHA system and submit claims for medical procedures that were never conducted. The fraudulent claims reportedly led to a loss of approximately Sh28 million in public funds. Those facing arrest ...