Editor's Review

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested a suspected fraudster who conned a Nakuru Nursing home out of Ksh 948,000.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested a suspected fraudster who conned a Nakuru Nursing home out of Ksh 948,000.

50-year-old Samwel Mwendwa Mutua was arrested by officers from the DCI on allegations of obtaining money under false pretences contrary to section 313 of the penal code.

Suspected fraudster Samwel Mwendwa Mutua/ DCI Twitter

Mr Mutua's journey to his current state on the wrong side of the law started in 2020 when his company World freight Logistics limited was contracted by St Joseph's Maternity and Nursing Home to assist with the importation of hospital equipment from China.

The equipment meant to aid with the expansion of the hospital located in Nakuru County ranged from hospital and theatre beds and mortuary equipment.

The hospital made the first payment of Ksh 407,000 to Mr Mutua's bank accounts on November 6th 2020 which was to used to pay for freight charges for a 40-foot container containing the hospital equipment.

Slightly over a month later on December 8th 2020, the hospital applied for a clearing permit from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and later paid  Ksh 158,200 to the suspect's account. this was meant to cover shipping charges and deposit for the container.

On April 21st 2021, the hospital released Ksh 383, 000 for the servicing of Kenya Ports Authority Rent and a further Ksh 183,000 for the World Freights Logistics Fee.

It is at this moment that Mr Mutua went underground having defrauded the hospital of close to a million shillings.

Investigations by the DCI revealed that Mr Mutua had not forwarded any payment to the shipping firm or KPA which led to the hospital losing its equipment at an auction.

The suspect is being held by the authorities as he awaits arraignment before a court.