A businessman has been charged before an Eldoret court with allegedly obtaining Sh634,900 by false pretence from a trader in a motor vehicle deal.

Julius Okondoi Ikaal appeared before Principal Magistrate Caroline Wattimah and denied two charges arising from the alleged transaction with trader Charles Kyalo.

According to court documents, Kyalo expressed interest in purchasing a motor vehicle from Ikaal, with the two entering into a sale agreement. Kyalo allegedly paid the agreed amount between January 26 and March 31, 2026, but the vehicle was not delivered.

Ikaal is further accused of issuing a Sh634,900 cheque drawn from his Diamond Trust Bank account on April 24, 2026, allegedly knowing that the account did not have sufficient funds.

The accused pleaded not guilty and asked the court to grant him reasonable bond or bail terms, arguing that he was not a flight risk.

Magistrate Wattimah granted him Sh200,000 bond with one surety of a similar amount, or Sh100,000 cash bail, after noting that he was a first offender.

The prosecution has lined up three witnesses in the case, which will be mentioned on September 21, 2026, for further directions.