DCI Reveals Details of 7 Suspects Arrested in Ksh 60 Million Scandal at Ruto’s Office

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued a detailed statement that throws more light on the arrest of seven suspects involved in a high-profile fraud scheme that took place within Harambee House, which is the office of President William Ruto.

The agency has sought to clarify what it termed as “misleading and sensationalized headlines” concerning the case that was reported in sections of the media.

In a press statement issued on March 20, 2026, the DCI indicated that it, “wishes to set the record straight and strongly refute misleading and sensationalized headlines and reports appearing in sections of the media,” particularly concerning the case of persons arrested in connection with fraudulent dealings within Harambee House on March 10, 2026.

The suspects were arrested after they allegedly hatched an intricate plan to deceive foreign investors by impersonating high-ranking government officials and presenting lucrative deals in government procurements.

Arrests were made after “credible intelligence” of unauthorized access to a boardroom on the 12th floor of a government facility.

How the Fraud Scheme Was Executed

DCI revealed that the suspects “had illegally accessed a boardroom on the 12th floor of Harambee House” and were “masquerading as officials from the Ministry of Interior, National Treasury, Ministry of Health.”

The group allegedly lured two foreign nationals into a fictitious government tender involving the supply of 500 ambulances.

The victims, identified as representatives of a Swedish firm, were drawn into the scheme after receiving unsolicited communication.

“The fraudulent scheme commenced on 10th January, 2026 when Mr. Talal Zaitoun received an unsolicited WhatsApp message,” the statement reads, adding that he was later introduced to individuals posing as government-linked consultants.

Upon arrival in Kenya on January 26, 2026, the victim was reportedly escorted into Harambee House through dubious means.

“A female accomplice facilitated illegal entry past security checkpoints,” the DCI disclosed, noting that the victim was presented with forged tender documents, including “a fake pre-qualification certificate purportedly signed by the Head of Procurement and the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Interior.”

Millions Lost Through Fake Tender Deals

Suspects allegedly demanded large sums of money under the guise of facilitating the tender process.

“The fraudsters offered two packages: USD 90,000(approximately Ksh 11.6 million), for a single five-year business opportunity or USD 110,000(approximately Ksh 14.2 million), for multiple opportunities,” the statement noted.

The victim opted for the higher package and transferred funds in multiple installments.

“USD 110,000(Ksh 14.2 million) on 30th January 2026, and an additional USD 360,750(Ksh 46.5 million), bringing total funds fraudulently obtained totaling to USD 470,750(Ksh 60.6 million),” the DCI stated.

At the time of arrest, the suspects were reportedly demanding a further USD 1,080,000(Ksh 139 million).

Authorities acted swiftly when the victims returned to Kenya for further negotiations.

“Upon arrival, they were again taken to a 12th-floor boardroom where they met suspects who were later arrested,” the statement confirmed.

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Suspects Arraigned and Charged

The seven suspects were identified as Geoffrey Were Odondi, Michael Musyoki Ngumbi, Kororia Simatwa, Evans Simotwo, Allan Muthaiga Kariuki, Munialo Jared Masinde, and Purity Njeri Njami.

DCI clarified that “the suspects were found not to be government employees,” except for Njami, who was, “a former employee of the Ministry of Public Service.”

The suspects were arraigned on March 16, 2026, facing multiple charges.

These include “conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretenses, acquisition of proceeds of crime, and forgery.”

All seven pleaded not guilty and were released on bond.

“They pleaded not guilty and were released on bond of KSh 5 million each or cash bail of KSh 300,000 with two sureties,” the DCI stated, adding that passports were surrendered and the case is scheduled for mention on April 1, 2026.

Also Read: Nairobi Hospital Dismisses Ruto ‘Rescue’ Claims

DCI Distances Government from Fraud

The agency emphasized that no current government officials were involved in the scheme.

“No serving government official or employee of the Ministry of Interior was involved in this criminal enterprise,” the statement stressed, attributing the operation to “external fraudsters who exploited public institutions for criminal gain.”

The DCI further cautioned investors and the public against fraudulent schemes disguised as government tenders.

“All legitimate government tenders are advertised through official channels, and no genuine government tender requires upfront facilitation fees,” the statement warned.

Reaffirming its mandate, the DCI concluded: “The DCI remains committed to dismantling organized fraud syndicates, while pursuing all available legal avenues to recover the stolen funds and secure convictions.”

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