DCI Explains Arrest of Seven Suspects in Ksh 60 Million Harambee House Scandal

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued a detailed clarification regarding the arrest of seven suspects linked to a Ksh 60 million fraud scheme at Harambee House, dismissing earlier media reports as misleading and sensationalised.

In a press statement released on Friday, March 20, 2026, the DCI explained that the arrests, carried out on March 10, were the result of a carefully executed operation based on credible intelligence.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) wishes to set the record straight and strongly refute misleading and sensationalised headlines and reports appearing in sections of the media, particularly The Standard, concerning the arrest of seven individuals at Harambee House on 10th March, 2026,” read part of the notice.

DCI Reveals Details of KSh 60 Million Fake Tender Scam at Harambee House

DCI stated that Detectives apprehended the suspects after they were found illegally occupying a boardroom on the 12th floor of Harambee House, where they had staged a fake government tender meeting.

According to investigators, the suspects had orchestrated an elaborate scheme targeting foreign investors by impersonating senior officials from key government ministries, including the Ministry of Interior, the National Treasury, and the Ministry of Health.

Also Read: DCI Nets Notorious Kisumu Robber, Recovers Stolen Military-Grade Rifle

The group allegedly lured two foreign nationals, Mr. Talal Yousef Yousef Zaitoun of Swedish firm Jokara AB and his brother Mr. Hatem Youssef Yousef Zaitoun, who entered into a suspicious tender for the supply of 500 Toyota Hiace High Roof ambulances.

The fraudulent operation reportedly began in January 2026 when the primary victim received an unsolicited WhatsApp message from an individual identified as Stanley Ndawula.

He was later connected to Geoffrey Were, who posed as a consultant working with government agencies. The victim subsequently travelled to Kenya, where he was received and escorted to Harambee House by members of the syndicate.

DCI Denies Any Involvement of Govt Official

Investigations revealed that the suspects, with the help of an accomplice who facilitated unauthorised entry past security checkpoints, conducted meetings inside government offices using forged documents. These included fake pre-qualification certificates purportedly signed by senior government officials.

The victims were allegedly convinced to invest in the fake tender, transferring a total of USD 470,750 (approximately KSh 60 million) in two instalments to a law firm account at a local bank.

Further, the DCI revealed that the suspects later attempted to extract an additional USD 1.08 million, prompting the victims to return to Kenya, leading to the eventual arrests.

The individuals arrested were identified as Geoffrey Were Odondi, Michael Musyoki Ngumbi, Kororia Simatwa, Evans Simotwo, Allan Muthaiga Kariuki, Munialo Jared Masinde, and Purity Njeri Njiami. Authorities confirmed that none of the suspects is current government employees. Njiami, however, was found to be a former public servant who had previously worked within government but held no active role at the time of the incident.

All seven suspects were arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on March 16, where they faced multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretenses, forgery, and handling proceeds of crime.

They pleaded not guilty and were released on bond of KSh 5 million each or an alternative cash bail of Ksh 300,000, with two sureties required. Their passports were confiscated, and the case is scheduled for mention on April 1, 2026.

The DCI stressed that no serving government official or Ministry of Interior staff was involved in the scheme, noting that the suspects were external fraudsters exploiting public institutions to execute their crimes.

Authorities also cautioned the public and international investors against falling prey to similar scams, stressing that legitimate government tenders are advertised through official channels and do not require upfront payments or facilitation fees.

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