A Chinese businesswoman, Chen Yun, has been arraigned before the Kibera Law Courts over allegations of defrauding a Kenyan businessman, Isaac Kipkemboi Towett, of Sh20,235,000 in a construction company deal gone wrong.
Yun, who appeared before Principal Magistrate at the Kibera Law Courts, faced two charges — conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses — to which she pleaded not guilty.
The Alleged Sh20 Million Construction Scam
According to the charge sheet, Chen Yun, jointly with other suspects still at large, is accused of conspiring to defraud Towett after allegedly promising to sell him JDW Aluminum Limited, a construction company.
Court documents reveal that the complainant, Towett, was allegedly convinced to part with more than Sh20 million, believing he was purchasing ownership of the company. However, the deal turned out to be a scam, prompting him to report the matter to authorities.
The prosecution told the court that the accused and her accomplices orchestrated a “well-calculated, coordinated financial fraud scheme” intended to cripple the victim financially.
Prosecution Opposes Bail, Citing Flight Risk
The prosecution, through an affidavit sworn by Police Constable Denis Miheso, a DCI detective attached to Kilimani Police Station, opposed Yun’s release on bail.
Miheso argued that the accused person lacked a fixed abode or any verifiable employment in Kenya, making her a high flight risk.
“The accused person is a Chinese national and poses a serious flight risk whose attendance cannot be guaranteed if released on cash bail or bond terms,” Miheso stated in his affidavit.
He further informed the court that investigations are ongoing, and other suspects believed to be part of the fraud ring are still at large.
Court Orders Detention Pending Ruling
After listening to submissions from both sides, the Principal Magistrate directed that Chen Yun be detained until next month when the court will deliver its ruling on whether she will be granted bond or remain in custody pending trial.
The magistrate noted that due to the transnational nature of the alleged crime and the amount involved, the matter required careful consideration before determining bail terms.
The case will be mentioned again in November 2025 for bond ruling and further directions.