How Three Suspects Allegedly Stole Ksh 3.8 Million in Fake Mercury Scam

Three suspected fraudsters have been arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts over an elaborate scheme that saw an unsuspecting Kenyan woman lose Ksh 3.8 million in a bogus mercury trading deal.

The trio, Lewis Olemanyasi alias Godana Hamisi, Iren Mueni Antony, and Joseph Mutua Maingi, are accused of orchestrating a fake business transaction that promised lucrative returns from the sale of mercury.

According to court documents, the complainant reported that on December 13, 2025, she was introduced to what she believed was a legitimate mercury trading venture by a friend.

She was allegedly promised significant profits and later connected to Joseph Mutua Maingi, who presented himself as a close associate of a prominent mercury dealer operating in Mombasa.

Two days later, the complainant travelled to Mombasa, where she met a man identified as Godana Hamisi.

He reportedly escorted her to a dimly lit room in Mtwapa under the guise of completing the transaction.

In a bizarre turn of events, she was allegedly instructed to lie down on a mat and close her eyes. Moments later, she was handed a bottle wrapped in black and red cloth, which she was told contained mercury.

However, upon returning to Nairobi and inspecting the package, she discovered that the bottle contained no mercury.

“It was only after returning to Nairobi that reality hit home, the bottle contained no mercury at all,” the prosecution stated in court papers.

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Ksh 3.8 Million Lost Through M-Pesa and Cash

Investigations revealed that in the process of “securing the consignment,” the complainant had transferred Ksh 3.8 million to the suspects through a combination of M-Pesa transactions and cash payments.

Following the report, detectives launched investigations that led to the arrest of the alleged ringleader, Lewis Olemanyasi, in Kitui town.

His alleged accomplice, Irene Mueni Antony, was arrested alongside him, while Joseph Mutua Maingi was apprehended in Kamulu.

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Court Proceedings

The three suspects were charged with two counts: Obtaining Money by False Pretences and Conspiracy to Defraud.

Appearing before the Milimani Law Courts, they pleaded not guilty to both counts.

The court released each of the accused on a cash bail of Ksh 500,000 or an alternative bond of Ksh 800,000 pending trial.

The matter has been scheduled for pre-trial on February 19, 2026.

Authorities have cautioned members of the public to exercise due diligence before engaging in high-value business deals, especially those promising unusually high returns.

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Milimani Law Courts structure for illustration purposes. PHOTO/NA