Kenneth Njiru Njagi
Car dealer Kenneth Njiru Njagi, owner of UK Auto Imports Limited, has been formally charged with defrauding a customer of nearly Sh9.9 million. The allegations center around a fraudulent vehicle purchase scheme, raising concerns about consumer protection and ethical practices within the sector.
Kenneth Njiru Njagi is a notable figure in Nairobi’s car dealership landscape. His company, UK Auto Imports Limited, formerly known as Kensville Motors Ltd., has been operational for several years, catering to a diverse clientele seeking imported vehicles. The rebranding from Kensville Motors to UK Auto Imports was presumably an effort to revitalize the company’s image and expand its market reach.
Between August 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, Njagi allegedly deceived Todd Ashton, an employee of Ericsson Kenya Ltd., into paying Sh9,891,916 for a vehicle that was never delivered. The substantial sum was purportedly for the importation of a high-end vehicle, a service that UK Auto Imports Limited advertised as part of its offerings. However, despite receiving the payment, the company failed to fulfill its obligation, leading to suspicions of fraudulent intent.
UK Auto Imports Limited
The case was brought before Milimani Chief Magistrate Lukas Onyina, where Njagi, alongside his company, faced charges of cheating under Section 315 of the Kenyan Penal Code. Both the individual and corporate defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Subsequently, Njagi was granted release on a bond of Sh2 million or an alternative cash bail of Sh1 million. The court has scheduled a mention of the case on March 17, 2025, to set further directions for the proceedings.
Section 315 addresses offenses related to cheating and fraudulent practices. Specifically, it criminalizes obtaining property or inducing the delivery of goods or money through fraudulent tricks or devices. Individuals found guilty under this section are liable to imprisonment for up to three years. The law aims to protect citizens from deceitful schemes that result in financial or property loss.
This isn’t the first time Njagi has faced legal challenges concerning his business practices. In a previous case, he was convicted of defrauding clients of over Sh7.5 million under similar pretenses. The court found that Njagi had promised to import luxury vehicles from the UK but failed to deliver after receiving payments. Consequently, he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison without the option of a fine.
For Todd Ashton, the ordeal has been both financially draining and emotionally taxing. Trusting a reputable dealer with a significant amount of money, only to be met with deceit, can lead to distress and a sense of betrayal. Such incidents also highlight the vulnerabilities that expatriates and professionals may face when navigating foreign markets.
