Ustadh Omar Athman, a Malindi-based cleric, was on Monday arraigned at the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court, less than 24 hours after his arrest at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport upon his return to the country.
He is accused of obtaining KSh 774,000 from Mohamed Salim Bahlewa by falsely claiming he could facilitate his participation in the Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Appearing before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina, Athman denied the charges. The court deferred a ruling on his bail application to Tuesday. Police say the case has since widened following Athman’s arrest, with several Muslims from different parts of the country reporting similar complaints at various police stations.
The complainants allege they were defrauded in schemes linked to the organisation of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Some of the alleged victims told investigators they were subjected to prolonged financial and emotional distress after making payments for travel arrangements that never materialised.
One complainant said communication with the accused ceased shortly before the scheduled travel dates. Among those who have come forward are Muslim university students who claim they paid a total of KSh 862,201 to Athman after contributing funds in instalments to his account for visa processing.
According to the students, 37 of them subscribed to the arrangement, paying about 100 US dollars each, before the suspect allegedly went missing days to their planned departure.
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) has warned the public against dealing with unauthorised individuals offering pilgrimage services at seemingly attractive rates. SUPKEM officials say some operators collect money from unsuspecting worshippers before disappearing, leaving victims with significant losses.