US-based Bishops Facing Ksh 15M Fraud Charges Seek to Halt Criminal Case

A US-based couple, Bishops David Nyamasyo and Monica Ndunge, appeared before Magistrate Robinson Ondieki at the Milimani Law Courts on Thursday, seeking to stop their ongoing criminal case over alleged fraud. The couple is facing charges of defrauding Gabriel Njenjere Chokera of timber worth Ksh 15,199,240, under the pretense that they were capable of paying for the goods, despite knowing otherwise.

Their lawyer, Dan Maanzo, argued that the matter is civil in nature and should be handled by a higher court. The accused claim to have made partial payments to the complainant and recently filed an application at the High Court to stop the criminal proceedings. “We have appeared before the court seeking to stop the criminal proceedings at the lower court,” Maanzo added.

The couple, who recently launched a Ksh 1 billion resort in Machakos County, denies any wrongdoing. They have expressed their intention to pursue an out-of-court settlement with the complainant, citing their right to negotiate under Article 149 of the Constitution.

The High Court judge, Mwita Chacha, is expected to hear the matter on September 9, 2024. However, no stay order was produced in court by the couple, and the magistrate has barred them from harassing the victims involved in the case.

In addition to the primary fraud allegations, other complainants have surfaced, claiming to have been conned by the couple. A painter alleges he lost Ksh 430,000, while a plumber claims Ksh 480,000 was taken from him. Other workers are reportedly demanding up to Ksh 5 million and Ksh 2.8 million in unpaid dues.

The couple, well-known in religious circles, now faces growing scrutiny as multiple accusations of fraudulent behavior continue to emerge.