Michael Musyoki Ngumbi, Geoffrey Were Odondi and others in the Ambulance Scam
Investigators have filed an application in court seeking custodial orders to detain Michael Musyoki Ngumbi, Evans Simotwo, Geoffrey Were Odondi, Allan Mutahi Kariuki, Purity Njeri Njamiu, Muniaro Jared Masinde, and Kororia Simatwa at Capitol Hill Police Station.
The seven individuals are under scrutiny for conspiracy to defraud, as outlined in Section 317 of the Penal Code, and for obtaining money through false pretences, in violation of Section 313. Additionally, they are being investigated for the acquisition, use, and possession of proceeds of crime, relevant to the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA).
According to the police, the case involves a foreign national who was misled into believing he could secure a valuable government contract to supply 500 ambulances. As a result of this fraudulent representation, the foreign national transferred approximately USD 470,750 to individuals associated with the alleged scam.
Court documents reveal that some suspects posed as high-ranking government officials, claiming they could facilitate official meetings and negotiate contracts on behalf of the Kenyan government with international investors.
The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the alleged fraudulent activities and the roles of each suspect.
Investigators further claim that the suspects invited the complainant to meetings at Harambee House, a protected government installation that hosts offices, including that of the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and the Office of the President.
The suspects were arrested on March 10, 2026, at Harambee House following one such meeting.
The DCI now says it must establish how individuals allegedly conducting criminal activities were able to convene meetings at the high-security government facility and whether other persons, including government officials, may have been involved.
The agency told the court that the investigations are complex and incomplete, particularly because the matter also involves financial investigations across multiple financial institutions to trace the alleged proceeds of crime.
The court further heard that the suspects should remain in custody to prevent them from absconding, interfering with witnesses, or obstructing investigations.
The police also claim the scheme may involve an international criminal network, noting that the complainant was initially contacted by an individual posing as a Ugandan national using a Ugandan-registered phone number before being linked to some of the suspects.
Upon completion of investigations, the DCI says the file will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review and directions on whether charges will be preferred.
The court is expected to rule on the detention application on 12th March 2026.
