A South Sudanese national, John Tong Buol Majuach, appeared before a Nairobi court in May 2026 over allegations surrounding KSh2. 1 million allegedly paid by a Kenyan businessman in connection with a proposed business expansion into South Sudan.
John Tong Buol Majuach was presented before Principal Magistrate Daisy Mutai following allegations that he represented to businessman John Stephen Njoroge Macharia that he could assist in registering a branch of Nairobi Projectors Limited in South Sudan.
The allegations relate to a transaction that reportedly took place in 2023, when the businessman is said to have transferred KSh2.1 million in connection with the proposed registration and expansion of the company.
However, the proposed registration was allegedly not completed.
John Tong Buol Majuach: Court Appearance Did Not Amount to a Conviction
Majuach’s appearance before the Nairobi court does not amount to a finding that he committed fraud.
Importantly, the matter should be distinguished from a concluded criminal trial. At the time of his appearance, the plea-taking process was deferred after his lawyer sought more time, including to explore the possibility of resolving the dispute between the parties.
This means that the allegations remain subject to the court process and have not been established as facts against Majuach.
The prosecution alleges that the money was obtained through false representations and that the accused knew he was allegedly unable to provide the services promised.
The matter also includes allegations concerning dealings with proceeds of crime.
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Kenyan Businessman Allegedly Lost KSh2.1 Million
The complainant, John Stephen Njoroge Macharia, is said to have parted with KSh2.1 million believing that the money would assist in establishing a South Sudan branch of Nairobi Projectors Limited.
The intended expansion would have allowed the Kenyan business to establish operations in the neighbouring country.
According to the allegations before court, however, the anticipated registration did not materialise.
For the businessman, the alleged loss represents a significant financial setback.
KSh2.1 million is an amount that could be used by a small or medium-sized enterprise to purchase equipment, expand operations, employ workers or provide working capital.
The dispute therefore highlights some of the risks Kenyan entrepreneurs can face when pursuing business opportunities across national borders.
Cross-Border Business Deals Under Spotlight
The case has also drawn attention to the importance of due diligence when Kenyan businesses engage individuals to facilitate operations in foreign jurisdictions.
Company registration, licensing, taxation and regulatory requirements can differ significantly from one country to another.
Entrepreneurs seeking to establish businesses outside Kenya may therefore rely on local representatives or consultants. Where substantial sums are involved, verification of the person’s capacity, contractual obligations and official documentation becomes particularly important.
The allegations in the Majuach case provide another example of how a commercial arrangement can eventually find its way into the courts when the parties disagree over what was promised, delivered or paid for.
The Accused Remains Entitled to a Fair Hearing
As the matter remains within the judicial process, Majuach is entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair hearing.
The allegations made against him should therefore not be treated as proof of wrongdoing.
The prosecution bears the responsibility of proving any criminal allegations to the required legal standard, while the accused has the right to challenge the case against him.
Any discussions between the parties concerning an out-of-court settlement should likewise not be interpreted as an admission of criminal liability.
Why Kenyans Should Pay Attention
The case is of interest beyond the individuals involved because it touches on an issue facing many Kenyan business owners—how to protect substantial investments when entering cross-border commercial arrangements.
For entrepreneurs, the lesson is straightforward: verify business partners and intermediaries, insist on clear written agreements, keep records of payments and confirm registrations and regulatory processes directly with the relevant authorities.
In this case, the court process will determine what happened to the KSh2.1 million and whether the allegations against Majuach meet the required legal threshold.
Until then, the matter remains an allegation before the court and not a conviction.
Kenyan Mirror will continue to follow the proceedings and report any substantive developments from the court.
