Seven suspects linked to an alleged multi-million dollar fraud scheme involving a fake government contract have been arraigned before a Nairobi court and charged with multiple offences.

The 7 accused include Michafi Musyoki Ngumbi, Evans Simotwo, Geofrey Were Odondi, Allan Mutahi Kariuki, Purity Nieri Niamu, Muniaro Jared Masinde and Kororia Simatwa —appeared before Milimani Chief Magistrate Teresa Nyangena, where they denied all the charges.

However, their co-accused, Rose Mbuthia, failed to appear in court, prompting the magistrate to issue summons requiring her to appear before the court.

According to court documents, the eight are accused of conspiring to defraud a foreign national, Talal Yousef Yousef Zaitoun, of USD 470,750 (approximately KSh 60 million).

The prosecution alleges that between January 10 and February 25, 2026, the group falsely claimed they were in a position to secure a Kenyan government tender for the supply and delivery of 500 high-roof diesel Toyota Hiace ambulances.

The court heard that the suspects allegedly misrepresented themselves as capable of facilitating the contract purportedly from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration — claims investigators say were false.

In a separate charge co-accused Geofrey Were Odondi faces charges of obtaining money by false pretences, with prosecutors stating that he received the funds through Lianyungang Chanta International Wood Company Limited under the guise of facilitating the non-existent deal.

Odondi is also charged with acquisition of proceeds of crime after allegedly receiving USD 450,750 through an Equity Bank account registered under Damira Multiactivities, knowing or having reason to believe the funds were proceeds of crime.

Additionally, Michafi Musyoki Ngumbi faces two counts of forgery. He is accused of forging a contract agreement purportedly between the Ministry of Interior and a foreign firm, Jokara AB, for the ambulance supply, as well as a letter of notification of award to make the deal appear legitimate.

All the accused present in court denied the charges.

Magistrate Nyangena released each of the seven accused persons on a cash bail of Sh300,000 and directed that Rose Mbuthia appear before court as summoned. The case will be mentioned on a later date.