A Nairobi businessman who allegedly lived lavishly at Gem Suites Hotel before failing to settle a Sh5.5 million bill has been charged before a city court with obtaining credit by false pretenses.
Lavish Hotel Stay Ends in Court
The accused, Kelvin Obondo Odhiambo, also known as Hon. Nyalik Oselu, appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Rose Ndobi at the Milimani Law Courts, where he denied the charges.
According to the prosecution, Odhiambo stayed at Gem Suites Hotel and consumed luxury services, including accommodation, alcoholic beverages, and food worth a total of Sh5,533,000, between November 28, 2024, and March 3, 2025.
Investigators allege that Odhiambo falsely represented himself as being financially capable of paying the bill — a claim he knew to be false.
Breakdown of the Sh5.5 Million Bill
Court documents show that Odhiambo’s bill consisted of:
-
Accommodation services amounting to Sh3,120,000
-
Food, alcoholic drinks, and bottled water totaling Sh2,413,000
Prosecutors said the accused enjoyed high-end services over several months, leaving the hotel with unpaid dues exceeding Sh5.5 million.
Prior Warrant of Arrest
The prosecution further told the court that Odhiambo had an outstanding warrant of arrest in a related case dating back to 2020.
He was allegedly traced and arrested following complaints filed by Gem Suites management after repeated failed promises to clear the bill.
Court Grants Bail
Odhiambo pleaded not guilty to the charge of obtaining credit by false pretenses, contrary to Section 316(a) of the Penal Code.
Magistrate Ndobi granted him a bond of Sh1 million with one surety of the same amount or, alternatively, a cash bail of Sh400,000.
The court directed that the case be mentioned on a later date for pre-trial once the prosecution serves all witness statements and evidence.
Gem Suites Responds
Sources close to the hotel management confirmed that Odhiambo had checked into the luxury serviced apartments, which are popular with business executives and foreign diplomats, and stayed for several weeks.
A hotel representative told CourtNews.co.ke that repeated requests for payment were ignored. “He appeared confident and convincing. We had no reason to suspect he would default,” the source said.
Legal Context: Obtaining Credit by False Pretenses
Under Kenyan law, obtaining credit or services by false pretenses is a serious economic offense that attracts a penalty of up to three years imprisonment or a fine.
Such cases often involve individuals who fraudulently represent themselves as financially capable to obtain goods or services on credit, with no intention of paying.
Next Court Mention
The case will be mentioned later this month for pre-trial directions as the prosecution seeks to finalize investigations and table documentary evidence from Gem Suites Hotel.