7 Kenyans Arrested for Scamming Swedish Investor KSh 61 Million in Fake Ambulance Deal Linked to Ruto’s Office

Seven individuals have been charged with defrauding a Swedish investor of over KSh 60 million through a fake government ambulance contract, authorities say. The suspects allegedly pretended to be senior government officials and even held meetings inside Harambee House to make the scam appear genuine.

How the Scam Happened

The accused – Michael Musyoki Ngumbi, Evans Simotwo, Geofrey Were Odondi, Allan Mutahi Kariuki, Purity Njeri Njamu, Muniaro Jared Masinde, and Kororia Simatwa – allegedly tricked Talal Yousef Yousef Zaitoun of Sweden into paying USD 470,750 (about KSh 61 million).

Court documents show that between January 10 and February 25, 2026, the suspects promised a Kenyan government contract to supply 500 high-roof diesel Toyota Hiace ambulances. Ngumbi reportedly forged official-looking letters and a contract agreement from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to convince the Swedish investor.

Geofrey Were Odondi faces extra charges of money laundering and obtaining money by false pretences after allegedly receiving funds through an Equity Bank account registered under Damira Multiactivities.

Court Proceedings and Bail

During the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court hearing on March 17, the suspects requested bail, arguing they are law-abiding citizens and will attend all court sessions. Their lawyer also asked for the release of a vehicle linked to one of the accused.

Senior Principal Magistrate Teresia Nyangena approved a bond of KSh 5 million per suspect or an alternative cash bail of KSh 300,000, with three sureties. The magistrate ordered that the vehicles remain in police custody and issued a summons for the eighth suspect, Rose Mbuthia, who did not appear in court.

Connection to Previous Scams

This case has drawn attention due to similarities with a previous KSh 180 million fake laptops tender, which also involved the Office of the President. That scam saw a contract for 2,800 laptops allegedly signed at Ruto’s Harambee Annex office. The laptops, valued at over KSh 269 million, were reportedly delivered to individuals claiming to represent the office.