A 58-year-old Kenyan businessman, Alphonse Kioko Kivindu, has been charged with defrauding four individuals of KSh20.05 million through a job scam in the United Kingdom. Kivindu, the director of Amble Beginning Consult Limited, appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Hon Geoffrey Onsarigo at the Milimani Law Courts. He faces 32 counts, including conspiracy to commit a felony, obtaining money by false pretences, and acquisition of proceeds of crime.
According to the charge sheet, Kivindu allegedly obtained KSh18.5 million from Joyce Wambui Njihia between January 1, 2023, and February 1, 2024, by falsely claiming he could secure her a job in the UK. He is also accused of conspiring with others to obtain KSh200,000 from Frasiah Wambui Kinyua on April 13, 2023, under similar pretence. The prosecution alleges that Kivindu's actions were part of a larger scheme to deceive individuals seeking employment opportunities abroad.
The prosecution further alleges that Kivindu obtained KSh500,000 from Mary Waithira Mburu between April 11 and April 18, 2023, after promising to secure her employment in the United Kingdom. In another transaction, he is accused of obtaining KSh850,000 from Agnes Wanjiku Mandu between June 20 and November 16, 2023, under the pretence that he could secure her a job abroad. These transactions are part of the 32 counts Kivindu faces.
The offences of obtaining money by false pretences are contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code, while the acquisition of proceeds of crime charges fall under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act. Kivindu's lawyer pleaded with the court to release him on lenient bond terms. The magistrate directed that he be released on KSh5 million bond or KSh1 million cash plus two contact persons.
Kivindu was arrested on November 3, 2026, by DCI officers near Machakos. The arrest was a culmination of investigations into his alleged involvement in the job scam. The prosecution alleges that he knew or had reason to believe that the money he received constituted proceeds of crime.
The case against Kivindu highlights the risks of job scams targeting individuals seeking employment opportunities abroad. Authorities have been cracking down on such scams, and Kivindu's arrest and charges demonstrate the efforts to hold those responsible accountable. The case is set to continue, with Kivindu's lawyer expected to present a defence against the charges.
Kivindu's case serves as a warning to individuals seeking employment opportunities abroad to be cautious of those promising quick fixes or guaranteed jobs. The authorities urge individuals to verify the legitimacy of job offers and recruitment agencies before making any payments or commitments.
Key points
- Kivindu faces 32 counts of fraud and money laundering
- The alleged scam targeted four individuals, with total losses of KSh20.05 million
- Kivindu was released on KSh5 million bond or KSh1 million cash plus two contact persons
