Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) based at Kilimani Police Station have arrested two women — a mother and daughter duo — accused of orchestrating a sophisticated scam that defrauded a Nairobi businessman of KSh 4.5 million.
The suspects, Cynthia Muthoni Kamau and Rose Wambui Kamau, were apprehended last week following an intensive investigation into a fraudulent shoe importation scheme that targeted businessman Kennedy Oketch. The two are now facing charges of obtaining money by false pretences and conspiracy to defraud, contrary to sections of the Kenyan Penal Code.
How the Shoe Importation Scam Unfolded
According to detectives, the elaborate fraud began when Oketch, a businessman dealing in footwear and fashion products, was introduced to the suspects who claimed they could help him import a large consignment of high-quality shoes from China.
The duo allegedly presented themselves as experienced international traders with well-established connections in the logistics and importation sector. They even produced convincing documents — including fake invoices and shipping details — to make their operation appear legitimate.
Believing their story, Oketch transferred KSh 4.5 million to the suspects, expecting his shipment to arrive within weeks. However, the goods never materialized. Instead, the suspects reportedly avoided communication, blocked his calls, and gave contradictory explanations whenever pressed for updates.
It was at this point that Oketch realized he had fallen victim to a well-organized fraud syndicate. He immediately reported the matter to the Kilimani DCI, triggering a full-scale investigation.
Detectives Launch Manhunt and Arrest the Suspects
Following the report, detectives from Kilimani Police Station’s Serious Crimes Unit initiated an intelligence-led operation to trace the fraudsters. Investigators reviewed mobile money transactions, call logs, and bank statements linking the two women to the fraudulent dealings.
After days of surveillance, the DCI officers tracked the suspects to a residential estate in Nairobi, where they were arrested. During the arrest, police reportedly recovered mobile devices, receipts, and transaction evidence that corroborated the victim’s claims.
The DCI described the case as one of the most calculated business scams in recent months, highlighting how criminals are exploiting growing online and cross-border trading activities to target unsuspecting entrepreneurs.
Businessman’s Testimony to the DCI
In his statement to detectives, Kennedy Oketch narrated how the mother-daughter duo won his trust before vanishing with his hard-earned money. He said the suspects created an illusion of professionalism by posing as licensed import agents and claiming to have successfully handled similar orders in the past.
Oketch added that the scammers used trucks and fake logistics paperwork to deceive him into believing that the consignment was already on its way from Mombasa. When he demanded proof of shipping, they sent falsified documents bearing the names of real shipping companies — a trick that initially convinced him the deal was legitimate.
“The two women played their roles perfectly,” Oketch told investigators. “They even pretended to make follow-ups with Chinese suppliers just to appear credible. I had no reason to suspect foul play until it was too late.”
Court Proceedings and Charges
The suspects were presented before a Nairobi court, where prosecutors filed multiple counts of obtaining money by false pretences and conspiracy to defraud under the Penal Code.
Prosecution told the court that the accused deliberately deceived Oketch with the intention of unlawfully benefiting from his funds. Both Cynthia Muthoni Kamau and Rose Wambui Kamau denied the charges before Milimani Law Courts Magistrate and were released on bail pending trial.
They are expected to appear in court again for mention and further hearing as detectives finalize their investigations.
Police and DCI Warn Against Similar Fraud
The DCI has since issued a public warning urging businesspeople and importers to exercise extreme caution when engaging new suppliers or agents, particularly in international trade.
“Con artists are taking advantage of Kenya’s vibrant business environment by setting up fake importation schemes. Always verify the legitimacy of traders and companies before making payments,” said a senior detective familiar with the case.
The agency also encouraged victims of similar fraud to report immediately, noting that swift action increases the likelihood of recovering stolen funds and apprehending culprits.
Rising Trend of Business and Importation Fraud in Kenya
This latest case adds to a growing list of business-related fraud schemes targeting Kenyan traders in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. Criminals are using forged documents, fake business addresses, and false shipping confirmations to dupe unsuspecting clients.
Experts say that while e-commerce and globalization have boosted Kenya’s trade potential, they have also created loopholes for scammers who exploit trust and limited due diligence among traders.
The DCI continues to work with international agencies to track syndicates involved in cross-border scams, including gold scams, crypto fraud, and fake importation deals.
Conclusion
The arrest of Cynthia Muthoni Kamau and Rose Wambui Kamau marks another victory for detectives in the fight against financial and commercial fraud in Kenya. It also serves as a stark reminder to entrepreneurs to remain vigilant and verify every transaction before committing funds.
As the case proceeds in court, victims like Kennedy Oketch hope that justice will be served and that law enforcement will continue to crack down on the growing wave of white-collar crime targeting hardworking Kenyans.