2 Suspects Charged Over Ksh530,000 Fraud in 7,500 Chicks Deal

Two suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged Ksh530,000 fraud involving the supply of 7,500 chicks valued at Ksh1,387,500.

In a statement on Thursday, October 15, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspects, Marysella Naswa Kanda and Angela Kendi, were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ngong, where they faced charges related to the alleged fraud.

According to the agency, the two were charged with conspiracy to defraud after a complainant paid for the chicks but did not receive the order.

"The suspects, identified as Marysella Naswa Kanda and Angela Kendi have been arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ngong, where they faced a charge of conspiracy to defraud, contrary to Section 317 of the Penal Code," the statement read.

According to the DCI, the court granted the suspects cash bail of Ksh250,000 each, with an alternative bond of Ksh300,000 each.

"The court granted them cash bail of Ksh 250,000 each or an alternative bond of Ksh 300,000, with the case scheduled for mention on 9th November 2026," the statement added.

DCI said investigations into the alleged fraud began after the complainant reported the matter at Kiserian Police Station, stating that they had ordered 7,500 chicks but received none despite making payments totalling Ksh530,000.

According to the complaint, the first payment of Ksh350,000 was deposited into a Co-operative Bank account operated under Japlead Global Feed, reportedly owned by Marysella, on September 13, 2026.

The complainant subsequently deposited another Ksh180,000 into the same account on September 16, 2026, after being promised delivery of the chicks ahead of schedule. 

However, the order was never fulfilled.

Following the report, police launched investigations and conducted an undercover operation to identify and apprehend those suspected of being involved in the alleged scheme.

"Following the report, officers from Kiserian Police Station launched investigations and conducted an undercover operation, posing as prospective clients seeking to order chicks. 

"The operation led to Marysella’s arrest in Kitengela, with the support of local police officers. Angela was also arrested in connection with the case," the statement further read.

The two suspects remain subject to the judicial process as the case awaits mention on November 9, 2026.

This comes a week after Detectives in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, arrested a man accused of defrauding a farmer of more than Ksh1 million in a fake land-leasing deal involving a purported 30-acre parcel of land.

In a statement on Tuesday, October 6, the DCI said the suspect, identified as Philip Ouko Makete, allegedly posed as the owner of the prime parcel of land and marketed it to unsuspecting residents for sugarcane farming leases.

"Detectives in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, have apprehended a notorious conman accused of defrauding unsuspecting residents through a deceptive land-leasing scheme," the statement read.

According to preliminary investigations, Makete allegedly worked with brokers to convince a complainant that he had a genuine 30-acre piece of land available for lease in Saboti.

The complainant was subsequently persuaded to pay Ksh1,080,000 for the purported lease. 

However, after receiving the money, Makete and his alleged accomplices reportedly disappeared, leaving the complainant with no land and no way of recovering the funds.

The DCI said investigations into the case led detectives to launch a manhunt for the suspects, with forensic leads eventually helping officers trace Makete to a hideout in Gatua.

"Detectives launched a manhunt for the suspects, and through forensic leads, trailed Makete to a hideout in Gatua, subsequently arresting him," the statement added.