Eldoret Car Dealer in Court Over Sh3.4 Million Fraud as Complainant Opposes Bail

An Eldoret-based car dealer has been charged with three counts of fraud involving more than Sh3.4 million after allegedly obtaining money from a client under the pretext of importing a luxury vehicle.

Hildah Wanjiru Chomba appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Kesse Cheronoh, where she denied all the charges relating to obtaining money by false pretences, acquisition of proceeds of crime and cheating.

The accused is alleged to have fraudulently obtained money from her client, Stephen Kimani Chege, by claiming that she was in a position to import a Volvo XC90 motor vehicle for him.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offences were committed on diverse dates between March 20 and April 10, 2026, at an unknown location within the Republic of Kenya.

In one of the charges, Chomba is accused of acquiring Sh2 million through an Equity Bank account, number 1750185664438, from Chege, knowing or having reason to believe that the money constituted proceeds of crime.

She is also accused of fraudulently inducing the complainant to pay Sh1,442,664 to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in connection with the purported vehicle importation.

The accused faces an additional charge of cheating contrary to Section 315 of the Penal Code, alongside the charge relating to acquisition of proceeds of crime under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.

During the court proceedings, lawyer Richard Warigi, representing the complainant, opposed an application by the accused seeking release on reasonable cash bail or bond terms, arguing that she posed a flight risk.

Warigi told the court that Chomba had allegedly been in hiding for approximately six months after the incident, raising concerns about her willingness to attend subsequent court proceedings if released.

"Your Honour, we are opposed to an application by the suspect to be freed on bond or cash bail because she has been in hiding since she conned my client of his money under the pretext that she was in a position to import a motor vehicle for him," Warigi told the court.

The complainant's lawyer maintained that the circumstances surrounding the accused's alleged disappearance should be considered before the court determines her application for release.

The case revolves around allegations that the complainant lost more than Sh3.4 million in a vehicle importation arrangement that allegedly never materialised.

Chomba denied the charges and will remain subject to further court proceedings as the matter continues through the judicial process.