Editor's Review

The court heard that the politician obtained Ksh 24 million from the four complaints by falsely pretending that he was in a position to partner with them in the gold and mercury trade.

A politician has been charged for allegedly conning businessmen Ksh24 million in a botched gold deal.

According to a statement released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the politician was charged with obtaining Ksh24,263,780 by false pretences connected to the gold and mercury trade.

Simon Ekai Ewoi, a Turkana-based politician, was arraigned before Mombasa Senior Resident Magistrate David Odhiambo to face four counts of obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 313 of the penal code.

Simon Ekai Ewoi, a Turkana-based politician in court on Thursday, March 28, 2024. 

"The court heard that the accused and his accomplices obtained a total sum of Ksh 24,263,780 from the four complaints by falsely pretending that he was in a position to partner with them in the gold and mercury trade," DPP's statement read in part.

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However, the politician pleaded not guilty to all counts. Following the plea taking, Senior Prosecution Counsel Barbara Sombo opposed his immediate release on bail since he was under further police investigations. 

In his ruling, the trial magistrate ordered Ewoi to be detained for fourteen days at the Central Police Station to allow detectives to complete their investigation.

"The court directed that he be produced in court on 8th April 2024, where he would be released on a Ksh7 million bond with a surety of similar amount and two guarantors with clear details of their residences," DPP's statement added.