A Nairobi-based advocate, Robert Okoth Opondo, has been charged with obtaining Sh3 million from a businessman under false pretenses in connection with a fraudulent property transaction.
Opondo appeared before Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi, where he denied the charges of fraud and misrepresentation.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the lawyer allegedly defrauded businessman Mohamed Mohamed Odon between July 22 and July 25, 2024, by falsely claiming he could facilitate a conveyancing transaction for a parcel of land registered as Title No. NAIROBI BLOCK 111/1151.
Prosecutors say Opondo’s intent was to obtain money by deceit, knowing that he had no authority to complete the transfer.
The Fraudulent Property Deal
Court documents reveal that the alleged fraud stemmed from a property transaction involving Odon and his ward, Yusuf Ahmed Ali, who intended to purchase a residential property in Komarock, Nairobi.
The property, listed under Harrison Barasa Ekesa, was to be sold for Sh6 million. Ekesa’s daughter, Getty Barasa, was tasked with engaging a lawyer to handle the sale, and Odon recommended Advocate Robert Opondo to manage the legal transfer.
A sale agreement was signed on July 14, 2024, with Opondo appointed to receive payments on behalf of the seller and complete the transfer of ownership within 90 days.
Money Transfers and Missing Funds
Investigations show that Odon, acting on behalf of the buyer, transferred Sh3 million on July 20, 2024, and another Sh3 million on July 25, 2024, to Robert Opondo & Company Advocates’ Co-operative Bank account.
Additionally, Opondo received Sh30,000 via M-Pesa as legal fees.
However, only Sh3 million reached the vendor’s account — Sh2 million on July 22 and Sh1 million on July 26, 2024. The remaining Sh3 million, police allege, was withheld by Opondo and has not been accounted for to date.
Despite several follow-ups, Opondo allegedly failed to remit the balance or finalize the transfer process. At one point, he reportedly told the parties that his practicing license had expired, stalling progress. Efforts to assist him with its renewal were unsuccessful.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
The prosecution insists that the accused deliberately misled the complainant and abused his position as a legal professional.
Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi ordered that the accused be released on bond pending further hearing. The case has been adjourned for mention as investigations continue and witnesses prepare to testify.
Legal Community Reaction
The case has sparked debate within the legal fraternity, with several advocates calling for stricter oversight by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to prevent such fraudulent practices.
Instances of lawyers misusing client funds have continued to erode public trust in the profession, prompting calls for tighter regulation of client accounts and conveyancing transactions.