Samuel Karuga Wachiuri, a con artist, was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on Thursday, June 12, for allegedly swindling a Nairobi-based businesswoman out of Ksh5.9 million in a fake supply deal.
In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said his appearance in court followed his dramatic arrest while attempting to flee the country.
According to the DCI, Karuga posed as a legitimate supplier of foodstuffs and gained the victim’s trust by promising to deliver a large consignment of rice and sugar.
“Karuga, who masqueraded as a legitimate supplier of foodstuffs, convinced the victim that he could deliver 6,000 bags of 25 kg rice and 250 bags of 50 kg sugar.
"Trusting his façade, the businesswoman transferred Ksh5,912,600 into his bank account, believing she was making a sound investment," the statement read.
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However, according to the investigating agency, Karuga later switched his phone and disappeared, forcing the businesswoman to seek help from authorities.
“However, upon receiving the funds and having completed his deceitful scheme, Karuga switched off his phone and disappeared without a trace,” the statement added.
Detectives launched investigations immediately and used forensic techniques to track Karuga’s movements.
He was apprehended at the Isebania border in Migori County as he allegedly attempted to escape into neighboring Tanzania.
“Investigations were initiated, and through forensic leads, detectives zeroed in on Karuga, ultimately apprehending him at the Isebania border as he attempted to flee to Tanzania,” the DCI confirmed.
Karuga was presented before Hon. Caroline Nyaguthi, where he pleaded not guilty to fraud-related charges, and was released on a cash bail of Ksh200,000.
The case is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on June 19, 2025.
