Sophia Wambui Wachira and Elizabeth Njoki Kariuki, two businesswomen, find themselves spending Valentine’s Day in prison custody as they face charges for allegedly defrauding a relative of a job seeker, amounting to Sh2.6 million. The Milimani chief magistrate, Lucas Onyina, remanded them following their arraignment on three counts of fraud.

The charges stem from accusations that the two women conspired to defraud Phyllis Wambui of Sh2,637,300 by falsely claiming they could process a visa to facilitate her relative’s employment in Australia for better opportunities. The alleged offenses occurred over several months, spanning from October 1, 2022, to August 30, 2023.

The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) informed Magistrate Onyina that the defendants orchestrated a scheme to deceive Wambui, presenting the illusion that they could aid her relative in traveling to Australia for improved prospects. According to the state prosecutor, Wambui was defrauded of Sh1.86 million, with an additional sum of Sh777,300 received by Njoki within a 10-month period.

Denying the charges, the accused applied for release on bond and pledged to comply with any imposed bond terms. The defense emphasized that the defendants are parents responsible for caring for their school-going children. The defense lawyer argued that if the suspects were incarcerated, there would be no one to look after their children.

In response, the lawyer requested lenient bond terms or cash bail, a plea that the prosecution did not oppose. The court granted their release on a bond of Sh700,000 each, with two sureties of the same amount or an alternative cash bail of Sh300,000, along with two contact persons. The case is scheduled for mention on February 25, 2024.