Albert Komen Kipkechem Charged in Sh52M Cyber Fraud Case

Last Updated on March 6, 2026 by carolyne juma

Albert Komen Kipkechem Charged in Sh52M Cyber Fraud Case

Friday, March 7, 2026 | 09:40 AM

A suspected cybercriminal has been arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts over an alleged Sh52 million cyber fraud targeting a payment service provider, a local bank, and a SACCO.

The suspect, Albert Komen Kipkechem, also known as Jonathan Kiptum Barmasai, appeared before the court where he faced charges related to computer fraud.

He was charged with Access with Intent to Commit a Further Offence contrary to Section 15(1) and Computer Fraud contrary to Section 26(1)(b) as read with Section 2(a) of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018.

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Sh52 Million Cyber Fraud Investigation

According to investigators, the suspect is believed to be the mastermind behind two cyber incidents that occurred in June 2025.

The attacks targeted a payment service provider, a local bank, and a SACCO, leading to losses of more than Sh52 million.

The affected institutions reported the fraud to detectives from the Economic and Commercial Crimes Unit, attached to the Cyber Fusion Unit at the Central Bank of Kenya.

Following the complaint, investigators launched a detailed probe.

Digital Forensics Investigation

The investigation involved experts from:

• National Forensic Laboratory (NFL)

• Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB)

Digital forensic analysis revealed that the suspect allegedly used remote access software to infiltrate the payment systems and bank information platforms.

Authorities say the unauthorized access allowed him to process transactions outside the normal payment flow before the fraud was detected.

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Arrest in Nairobi

After obtaining court orders and search warrants, detectives traced and arrested the suspect in Thome area within Nairobi County.

He was later escorted to his residence in Nakuru, where officers recovered several items believed to be linked to the cyber fraud.

Items Recovered

During the search, investigators recovered:

• Electronic gadgets

• Fraudulently registered identity cards

• A money counting machine

• Cash in Kenyan currency

• Multiple SIM cards from different telecom providers

• ATM cards registered under other individuals’ names

Detectives also recovered a Congolese passport bearing the suspect’s photograph but registered under the name Katempa Ngoy Alexisa.

A Congolese identity card bearing the same name was also found.

Authorities believe the documents may have been used to facilitate fraudulent transactions.

Court Proceedings

Following his arrest, the suspect was escorted back to Nairobi and processed before being presented in court.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court ordered that he be remanded at Capitol Hill Police Station until March 12, 2026, when the court will issue directions regarding his bail and bond terms.

Investigations into the cyber fraud case are ongoing.

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