Busia Coffee Cooperative Chairman Charged with Defrauding Tanzanian Businessman Sh6.1 Million
The chairman of Busia Robusta Coffee Growers Farmers Cooperative Limited, Leonard Morice Murwayi, has been charged in court for allegedly defrauding a Tanzanian businessman more than Sh6.1 million in a fraudulent coffee sale scheme.
Murwayi is accused of obtaining USD 47,600 (approximately Sh6,112,000) from Abdulkarim Abdulrazak Ismail by falsely claiming that he was capable of supplying 19.2 tons of Robusta coffee through the Busia-based cooperative society. According to the charge sheet, the chairman knowingly lied about his ability to deliver the coffee despite having no such capacity or intention to fulfil the order.
Alleged Fraud Spanned Several Weeks
Prosecutors told the court that Murwayi committed the offence between 27 September and 15 October 2024 at the Cooperative Bank Limited, Busia branch. During this period, he allegedly acted jointly with others who are yet to be arrested or charged, with the sole intention of defrauding the Tanzanian trader.
The businessman reportedly wired the funds believing that the cooperative, through Murwayi’s leadership, would supply the agreed coffee consignment. However, when no delivery was made and communication broke down, the matter was reported to authorities, leading to the chairman’s arrest and prosecution.
Murwayi Denies All Charges
Appearing before Chief Magistrate Lukas Onyina, Murwayi denied the charges of obtaining money by false pretenses. His legal team argued that the matter was purely a commercial dispute and not a criminal offence.
Despite this argument, the prosecution insisted that there was deliberate deception from the onset, warranting criminal charges.
Released on Bond
The court granted Murwayi a bond of Sh1 million with one surety of a similar amount. The prosecution did not oppose bond but urged the court to ensure that the accused remains within the jurisdiction as investigations into possible accomplices continue.
Pre-Trial Set for November 2025
The case is set for mention and pre-trial on 26 November 2025, during which the court will confirm whether all parties have exchanged necessary documents and whether the prosecution is ready to proceed to full hearing.