Kilimani detectives have arrested two suspected fraudsters who allegedly swindled a Chinese national out of Sh6.5 million in a cryptocurrency scam at Rose Gardens, Kileleshwa, on February 20, 2025.
The suspects, Benson Macharia and Robinson Okwemo Nyandoro, posed as cryptocurrency exchange experts, luring the victim with promises of a seamless transaction. However, in a well-orchestrated scheme, Nyandoro fled with the cash in a carrier bag through a backdoor, leaving Macharia to pacify the victim with claims that the transfer was merely delayed due to network issues.
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As hours passed without a successful transaction, the victim realized he had been conned and reported the incident to Kileleshwa Police Station.
Swift Action by Detectives
Acting on forensic leads, detectives arrested Macharia, who was later arraigned before the Kibera Chief Magistrate’s Court on February 25, 2025. He pleaded not guilty and was released on a Sh1 million bail with a surety of the same amount.
Determined to bring the second suspect to justice, officers tracked Nyandoro to the Hub Karen, where he was arrested on February 27, 2025. “The suspect was cornered with no avenue for escape. He later led detectives to his residence in KMA Estate, Lang’ata, where a search recovered Sh500,000 believed to be part of the stolen cash,” an investigator revealed.
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Nyandoro was arraigned before the Kibera Chief Magistrate’s Court today, where he also pleaded not guilty. The court ordered his detention at Industrial Area Prison pending a ruling on his bond terms on March 4, 2025.
A Warning to Cryptocurrency Investors
The case highlights the growing risks associated with unregulated cryptocurrency deals. “Many people are drawn to the promise of quick profits, but criminals exploit this excitement,” a senior detective cautioned.
Kilimani police have urged the public to conduct due diligence before engaging in cryptocurrency transactions. “If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” warned a police spokesperson.
As authorities tighten the noose on digital fraud, this case serves as a stark reminder to exercise vigilance in an increasingly deceptive financial landscape.
