George Maina Muriithi
A Nairobi court is at the centre of a high-profile fraud case involving George Maina Muriithi, a Kenyatta University lecturer and director of Mara Ndovu Lodge Ltd, who has been charged with fraudulently obtaining Sh55.5 million from an investor.
Appearing before Milimani Magistrate Robinson Ondieki, the court heard that Muriithi allegedly acquired the funds from Martin Gitonga Kamandu under pretences between November 15, 2022, and January 15, 2024. He is accused of falsely claiming he could sell 48,800 ordinary shares in Mara Ndovu Lodge Ltd—claims the prosecution says he knew to be untrue.
The court was informed that the money, deposited in the Otieno & Ambrose Advocates account, belonged to the complainant, Gitonga. Muriithi is also facing charges of using the allegedly fraudulently obtained funds to purchase properties, despite knowing they constituted proceeds of crime.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution emphasised that Muriithi had reason to believe the money was unlawfully acquired. The court will rule on Tuesday whether the accused will be released on bail.
Court documents further reveal that Muriithi is also facing similar charges before another court. According to a police report filed at Parklands Police Station, Muriithi approached the complainant in October 2022 with what was presented as a promising investment, claiming the shares were worth Sh1,000 each, totalling Sh48.8 million.
The court continues to be the focal point in determining the legitimacy of the alleged transactions and the appropriate legal action.
