A Nairobi-based businessman, David Onyango Ochanda, has appeared in court facing allegations of defrauding an American national of approximately Ksh.223 million in a purported gold transaction.
Ochanda was arraigned before Magistrate Dolphina Alego, where he denied two charges: conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretences. According to the charge sheet, the alleged offenses occurred between March 31 and May 30, 2024, in Nairobi County. During this period, Ochanda is accused of conspiring with others, already before the court, to defraud American national Tanner Caldwell Cook of USD 1,271,200, roughly equivalent to Ksh.223.7 million.
The prosecution alleges that Ochanda claimed he could supply 2,820 kilograms of gold to Cook, fully aware that such claims were false. The second count charges him with obtaining the money under false pretences, contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes fraud through deception or misrepresentation.
During the hearing, Ochanda, through his lawyer, sought release on cash bail or bond, citing that his co-accused in a related case had been granted similar terms. The prosecution did not oppose the request, confirming that the other suspects had been released on a cash bail of Ksh.400,000 or an alternative bond of Ksh.1 million.
Magistrate Alego approved Ochanda’s application, granting him the same conditions. He was released on a cash bail of Ksh.400,000 or a bond of Ksh.1 million, pending the outcome of his trial.
This case highlights the growing scrutiny over high-value transactions involving foreign nationals in Kenya, particularly those linked to precious commodities such as gold. Allegations of fraud in such deals have raised concerns about due diligence and verification mechanisms in international trade dealings.
Ochanda’s trial is expected to attract attention, given the large sum involved and the international dimension of the alleged crime. Legal observers note that cases of this magnitude often involve complex investigations, including tracing the flow of funds and verifying the authenticity of the commodities involved.
The businessman remains out on bail as the judicial process continues, with the court yet to set a date for further hearings.
