The spotlight has turned to Kamiti Maximum Security Prison following a Sh7.6 million scam investigators believe was planned by a life-term convict.

Hesbon Onyango Nyamweya, who was jailed for defilement, has been accused of orchestrating a sophisticated fraud scheme from behind bars, defrauding businesswoman Purity Karambu Laird in a land deal.

This shocking revelation has prompted an intensive investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) into how Nyamweya managed to carry out such a scam from the confines of the country’s most secure prison. 

The fraud came to light when Ms Laird, a prominent businesswoman, reported that she had been defrauded of Sh7.6 million by someone claiming to have access to prime land for sale. 

The person behind this false promise was later identified as Nyamweya by detectives from the DCI Serious Crime Unit.

Despite being behind bars, Nyamweya for seven months managed to communicate with Laird, convincing her that he could facilitate the sale of the land, which never existed.

Between May 1, 2020, and September 17, 2020, he maintained regular phone communication with Laird, building trust and presenting himself as a legitimate land seller. 

Unbeknownst to Laird, she was communicating with a defilement convict in one of the most secure prisons in the country.

He convinced her that he had a valuable plot of land for sale and assured her that the deal was genuine. Laird transferred the amount to an account provided by Nyamweya.

After receiving the money, investigators claim Nyamweya transferred it to his elderly mother, Pamela Akinyi Wara in several tranches over nearly five months.

The funds were then used by Wara to acquire properties in various locations including Ongata Rongai, Lang’ata, and Migori County.

Investigators say the woman is building a multi-million residential house in Ongata Rongai. 

There are questions about potential collusion or negligence among prison staff, as well as the effectiveness of security measures meant to prevent inmates from engaging in illegal activities while incarcerated.

The prison facility scandal details emerged when Wara, Nyamweya’s mother, was charged at the Milimani Law Courts on Friday.

Wara faces three charges of conspiracy to commit a felony, stealing and handling stolen goods contrary to section 322 (1) of the penal code. 

“... Wara conspired with others not before the court, together with one Hesbon Onyango Nyamweya serving sentence at Kamiti Maximum Prison to commit a felony namely stealing to wit a sum of Kenya Sh7,656,500 the property of Purity Karambu Laird,” the charge sheet reads in part. 

Wara, appearing frail and overwhelmed, pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming she was unaware of the origins of the money and believed it was legitimately earned.

However, the prosecution argued that Wara was fully aware of the fraudulent activities and played a significant role in laundering the proceeds by investing in real estate.

The prosecution urged the court to issue a production order to have Nyamweya presented in court to face charges together with his mother.

Magistrate Shitubi noted the gravity of the charges and emphasised the need for a thorough investigation to ensure all involved parties are held accountable. Wara was released on a Sh2 million bond. She will appear in court on September 5 for further directions. By Nancy Gitonga, The Standard