Court Charges Businessman with Obtaining Money by False Pretenses in Visa Fraud
The defence lawyer pleaded with the court for leniency citing that the accused person is a family man and the sole breadwinner to his family.
A businessman who fraudulently acquired 1.9 million in pretences to process visas for unsuspecting individuals has been charged at a Nairobi court.
Eric Momanyi Ichwara appeared before the Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina and was charged with two counts of obtaining money by false pretences.
On diverse dates between August 13, 2024, and January 22, 2025, at Nairobi Central District (CBD) within Nairobi county with intent to defraud obtained Ksh 1,602,500 from Stanley Mochama by falsely pretending he was in a position to process visas to Dubai a fact he knew was false.
On the second count, Ichwara obtained Ksh 342,000 from Abuya Bathsheba by pretending to be in a position to process visas which was a false fact.
The offence took place between July 2024 and February 2025.
He denied the charges leveled against him by the prosecution.
The defence lawyer pleaded with the court for leniency citing that the accused person is a family man and the sole breadwinner to his family.
The lawyer also added that he is sickly and needs special care under medication,
“Your honor the accused person is sickly and lives under medication hence i pray leniency in in bond terms,” he submitted.
The prosecution did not oppose his release on bond.
He was freed on bond of Ksh 500,000 with a surety of the same amount with alternative cash bail of Ksh 200,000 with one contact person.
The matter will be mentioned on May 27, 2025, for pre-trial.
