A Nairobi court has released a university dropout accused of siphoning millions of shillings from a local betting firm after allegedly hacking its financial systems. The suspect, identified as Seth Mwabe Okwanyo, was freed on a Ksh1 million bond with a surety of a similar amount, or alternatively, a cash bail of Ksh500,000.
Delivering the ruling, the Milimani Principal Magistrate directed that Mwabe must provide three contact persons before his release. The court also ordered him to report to the lead investigator once every week until the case is concluded.
The prosecution had applied to detain Mwabe for 20 days, arguing that investigators required more time to conduct forensic analysis on seized electronic devices, including computers, mobile phones, internet routers, and phone motherboards. They also intended to obtain M-PESA and bank statements, as well as account opening documents, to trace the flow of money. The State further claimed that the accused was a flight risk.
However, the court dismissed the application, noting that detaining Mwabe for such a long period would infringe on his liberty. The magistrate held that the prosecution had not provided sufficient grounds to deny the accused bail, ruling that investigations could still proceed while he remained out on bond under strict conditions.
Mwabe is facing investigations over unauthorized access with intent to commit further offences under Section 15(1) of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act. He is also being probed for stealing contrary to Section 268(1) as read with Section 275 of the Penal Code.
The case stems from a complaint filed by Afrisend Money Transfer Limited, which reported that on July 16, 2025, thirty-eight fraudulent transactions were executed through a local bank, resulting in the loss of Ksh11,410,165. The company claimed the transactions bypassed its internal monitoring and control systems, raising suspicion of cyber fraud.
Mwabe was arrested on August 30, 2025, at his residence in Tatu City, following intelligence linking him to the alleged hacking. The matter is scheduled for mention on October 7, 2025, when the progress of investigations will be reviewed.
If convicted, Mwabe faces potential imprisonment under both the Penal Code and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
