How Ksh1.5 Billion PROFIT Fraud Case Grew to 13 Suspects as Two More Face Court

DPP Directs Immediate Prosecution of Magistrate and Probation Officer Over Alleged Bribery

Two more suspects have faced court over the alleged Ksh 1.5 billion fraud involving the Programme for Rural Outreach of Financial Innovations and Technologies (PROFIT), bringing the total number of suspects charged in the case to 13.

Eric Otieno Achila, a sole proprietor of Dangzerina Enterprises and Susan Wangari Gathiaka, a sole proprietor of Maxtor Supplies and Graybar Distributors, appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court in Nairobi on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Achila faced three counts of fraud, while Wangari faced four counts. Both suspects denied the charges.

Although the prosecution did not oppose the suspects’ release on bond or bail, it asked the court to consider the nature and magnitude of the alleged offences when setting the terms.

“The prosecution team, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Ms. Susan Keli, Principal Prosecution Counsel Mr. Jeremiah Walusala, and Prosecution Counsel Mr. Brian Mulisa, did not oppose the accused persons being released on bond or bail,” DPP stated.

Court Imposes Conditions to PROFIT Fraud Case Suspects

In addition, the prosecution asked the court to impose conditions that would keep the suspects available for the proceedings and protect witnesses.

“Further, prosecution requested the court to require the accused persons surrender their passports, obtain the court’s permission before travelling outside the jurisdiction, and refrain from interfering with witnesses,” DPP stated.

Consequently, Chief Magistrate Harrison Barasa Omwima granted Achila a Ksh 1.5 million bond with a surety of a similar amount, or cash bail of Ksh 650,000.

Likewise, Wangari received a Ksh 1.5 million bond with a surety of a similar amount, or cash bail of Ksh 700,000.

The court will mention the matter on September 2, 2026.

Also Read: Police Officers Arrested Over Alleged Ksh 100,000 Bribe Demand

Eleven Suspects Charged on August 19

The latest PROFIT fraud charges follow the arraignment of 11 suspects on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The 11 suspects denied a combined 121 charges linked to the alleged Ksh 1.57 billion fraud.

The charges included abuse of office, unlawful acquisition of public property, financial misconduct, uttering false documents, acquisition of proceeds of crime and money laundering.

Among those charged were PROFIT Programme Coordinator John Ngure Kabutha, PROFIT Project Accountant Billy Otieno Obango, National Treasury official Nemwel Moturi Motanya and Senior Accountant John Maina Muriithi.

The other accused persons included Gladys Juliet Oroni, Brian Kiprop Chepkarat, Ian Kwemoi Chepkarat, Jimmy Carter Odoyo Osodo, James Omwodo Ndai and Josephat Kamau Kamoshe.

Also Read: Suspect Surrenders to EACC Over Alleged Ksh1.57 Billion Treasury Fraud

Investigation Expands as More Suspects Emerge

The investigation continued after the initial arraignments.

On Thursday, August 20, 2026, Charles Cheruiyot, director of Kaplan Logistics Limited, surrendered to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) after investigators listed him among those required to report for processing.

EACC also listed Auma Ritah Otieno, Paul Mukasiali Shilaho, Susan Wangari Gathiaka, Eric Otieno Achila, Miriam Roseline Obinda, Fredrick Nyadhe Obindah, Brown Mujenyi Agade, Hilda Ndinda Ngava and Jackline Kagai Saisi among people linked to the investigation.

Authorities subsequently brought some of those suspects before court as the case expanded.

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