By Court News Staff Reporter
A Nairobi man has been charged with cheating and obtaining goods by false pretence after allegedly tricking two traders into delivering cooking oil worth more than Sh3.2 million through fraudulent schemes.
Peter Murimi Mugo appeared before Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina, where he pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of cheating under the Penal Code.
Fraudulent Oil Supply Scheme
The prosecution told the court that between February 1 and 28, 2024, Mugo, jointly with others not before court, deceived businesswoman Rosemary Ndunge Malonza, the proprietor of Novatus Limited, into supplying 400 pieces of 20-litre Somo cooking oil valued at Sh2,358,000.
Investigators allege that Mugo used fraudulent tricks to induce Malonza into believing the order was legitimate and that payment would be made upon delivery. However, the goods were reportedly never paid for, and Mugo went into hiding after receiving the supplies.
Second Fraud Incident
In a separate count, Mugo is accused of using similar tactics to defraud Job Omondi Mark Imboko, the director of Sharklet Enterprise Limited, of 150 pieces of 20-litre Top Fry cooking oil worth Sh847,500.
The alleged offence occurred between July 1 and 30, 2024, in Nairobi County, where Mugo and his accomplices allegedly impersonated legitimate traders to secure the goods.
Court Proceedings
Appearing before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina, Mugo denied all charges. The prosecution requested that he remain in custody pending a bail ruling set for November 4, 2025.
The case will proceed once the prosecution submits evidence linking Mugo to the transactions and fraudulent communication trails traced to his mobile and business contacts.
Crackdown on Trade Frauds
The case comes amid a rising wave of commercial fraud targeting suppliers of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) such as cooking oil, sugar, and detergents. Law enforcement agencies have warned traders to verify large purchase orders and confirm buyer credentials before delivery.