Imam Charged Over Sh774,000 Umrah Fraud as More Victims Come Forward
A Malindi-based cleric has been charged with fraud after allegedly swindling Muslim faithful through a failed Umrah pilgrimage scheme.
Ustadh Omar Athman was arraigned on Monday before the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court, barely 24 hours after his arrest at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport upon returning to the country.
Athman is accused of obtaining Sh774,000 from Mohamed Salim Bahlewa by falsely claiming he could facilitate his participation in the Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Appearing before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina, the imam denied the charge. The court deferred a ruling on his bail application to Tuesday.
Investigations Expand Nationwide
Police told the court that investigations have widened following Athman’s arrest, with several Muslim faithful from different parts of the country reporting similar complaints at various police stations.
Investigators say the complaints relate to alleged fraud linked to the organisation of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, where victims claim they paid money for travel arrangements that never materialised.
Some complainants reported suffering prolonged financial and emotional distress, saying communication with the accused stopped shortly before their scheduled travel dates.
read:Jared Otieno Charged Over Sh22 Million Fake Gold Supply Scam
University Students Among Alleged Victims
Among those who have come forward are Muslim university students, who told investigators they paid a total of Sh862,201 to Athman for visa processing.
According to the students, 37 of them contributed about USD 100 each, paying in instalments into the suspect’s account. They allege Athman disappeared just days before their planned departure.
SUPKEM Issues Warning
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims has since warned the public against dealing with unauthorised individuals offering pilgrimage services at unusually low rates.
SUPKEM officials cautioned that some operators collect money from unsuspecting worshippers before disappearing, leaving victims with heavy losses and dashed hopes of fulfilling their religious obligations.
The court is expected to rule on Athman’s bail on Tuesday as police continue to receive statements from additional complainants.
read:High Court Orders Jared Kiasa Otieno to Forfeit Bentley to State