A man accused of defrauding a logistics company of Sh1.6 million has been released on bail after appearing before a Nairobi court.
The accused, identified as Benedict Otieno Odongo, was charged with obtaining Sh1,600,580 from a logistics firm by falsely pretending that he could supply steel bars of various sizes. The alleged offence took place on February 24, 2025. According to the prosecution, he received the money while fully aware that he could not deliver the promised materials.
When the charges were read, Odongo pleaded not guilty. He appeared in court without legal representation and opted to address the magistrate personally. He pleaded for leniency in the bail terms, explaining that he was not a flight risk and that he was the sole breadwinner of his family. He further emphasized that he was a father to young children and urged the court to take his personal circumstances into account.
The prosecution did not oppose his release on bail but left the decision regarding terms to the discretion of the court. After considering his submissions, the magistrate granted Odongo release on a bond of Sh800,000 with one surety or, alternatively, a cash bail of Sh300,000.
The case has been scheduled for mention on September 15, 2025, for pretrial directions. During this session, the court will confirm whether the prosecution has complied with disclosure requirements and ensure that all witness statements and relevant documents are supplied before the hearing date.
If found guilty, Odongo could face a prison term of up to three years under Section 313 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes obtaining money by false pretence. This law applies to individuals who, through deliberate misrepresentation, acquire money or goods from others without fulfilling the promised obligation.
The ruling highlights the delicate balance courts often strike between safeguarding the rights of the accused and protecting the interests of justice. Granting bail gives the accused an opportunity to prepare a defence while ensuring he remains available for trial. The upcoming pretrial conference will determine the readiness of both sides for the substantive hearing of the case.
As the legal process unfolds, attention will be focused on whether the prosecution can substantiate its claims and whether the defence can discredit the allegations. The outcome will ultimately determine Odongo’s fate in the Sh1.6 million fraud case.
