Shem Grant Agyei
Samuel Oduor Asarai
Ghanaian businessman Shem Grant Agyei has been charged in Nairobi, Kenya, with obtaining money by pretence, alongside Samuel Oduor Asarai, a Kenyan national. The two are also accused of conspiring to commit a misdemeanour, a serious allegation under Section 393 of the Kenyan Penal Code.
According to court documents, the duo allegedly misled individuals to part with large sums of money through false promises. The details suggest the pair was involved in orchestrating deceptive business deals, leading to their arrest and arraignment. Though the exact amount involved hasn’t been made public, the offence points to a sophisticated scheme targeting unsuspecting parties.
Agyei and Asarai appeared before a Nairobi court, denied all charges, and were released on bail pending further hearings. Their legal teams argue that the case is based on misunderstandings and lacks sufficient evidence. Still, the Kenyan authorities seem confident, pointing to concrete proof of fraudulent intentions and collaboration.
The invocation of Section 393, which targets criminal conspiracy, indicates a wider investigation into not just the fraudulent act but the planning behind it. This broadens the legal exposure for both men and signals Kenya’s tougher stance on white-collar crime, especially those involving foreign actors.
The case has stirred public interest both in Kenya and Ghana, raising concerns over cross-border economic fraud and the risks posed by unchecked international business dealings. While Agyei has previously been celebrated as a young African entrepreneur, this legal battle could significantly damage his reputation.
As the case unfolds, it will be a critical test of Kenya’s legal capacity to prosecute complex financial crimes and may also impact Ghana-Kenya diplomatic and business relations. The next court date will likely determine the direction of the trial and whether the evidence against Agyei and Asarai holds up in court.