A former senior employee of Sheffield Steels Systems Limited has been charged in connection with a multi-million shilling fraud that allegedly drained the company of more than Ksh146 million over a three-year period.
Jane Achieng Eshiwani Okumu, the company’s former Financial Controller, was arraigned before Magistrate Lucas Onyina at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on Tuesday. The charges were brought forward by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) after investigations revealed what prosecutors described as a “sophisticated financial scheme.”
Three Serious Criminal Charges
Court documents show that Ms. Okumu is facing three distinct charges:
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Conspiracy to Commit a Felony – Between May 15, 2018, and August 25, 2021, Ms. Okumu is accused of conspiring “jointly with others not before the court” to steal Ksh146,519,431.75, the property of Sheffield Steels Systems Limited.
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Stealing by Servant – As the company’s Financial Controller, a trusted senior role, she allegedly abused her position to unlawfully take the same sum, contrary to Section 281 of the Penal Code.
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Forgery – On March 5, 2021, Ms. Okumu allegedly forged a formal letter in the name of Dr. Suresh Kanotra, the company’s Managing Director, without authority. The letter is said to have been created with the intent to deceive and facilitate the fraud.
Company Director Named as Complainant
The case identifies Dr. Kanotra as the complainant and the first prosecution witness. Additional witnesses, including company staff and forensic investigators, are expected to testify as the case progresses.
The prosecution argued that Ms. Okumu used her senior position in the finance department to manipulate accounts, divert funds, and conceal the missing millions through forged documents.
A Case of Corporate Fraud in Kenya
The Sheffield Steels case underscores ongoing challenges of corporate fraud and financial crimes in Kenya, where insiders with access to sensitive company information exploit loopholes in internal controls. Analysts warn that such cases not only cause massive financial losses but also erode investor confidence in Kenya’s business environment.
Next Steps in Court
Magistrate Onyina directed that Ms. Okumu take plea on all charges, with the court expected to hear applications on bail and pre-trial directions in upcoming sessions.
The outcome of this case will be closely watched by both the corporate sector and law enforcement agencies, as it highlights the critical need for stronger corporate governance, tighter internal controls, and accountability in financial management within private firms in Kenya.