By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, June 03, 2026 - The Anti-Corruption Court in Malindi has handed down hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences to several individuals and companies found guilty of siphoning more than Sh51 million from the Kilifi County Government through a fraudulent payment scheme.
In a landmark judgment delivered by Magistrate E.K. Usui, the court imposed fines totalling more than Sh198 million and cumulative jail terms exceeding 75 years for those convicted in the multi-million-shilling graft case.
The convictions stem from fraudulent transactions conducted between September 19 and October 7, 2016, when county funds amounting to Sh51.5 million were irregularly processed and paid out through the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) and internet banking platforms.
The prosecution, led by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Esther Macharia and Principal Prosecution Counsel Rachel Amala, successfully demonstrated that the money was paid to private firms for goods that were never delivered and services that were never rendered.
In her judgment, Ms Usui noted that the scheme inflicted significant economic harm on Kilifi residents by diverting public resources earmarked for development projects and essential services.
Among those convicted was Sarah Wangui Kamau, proprietor of Daima One Enterprise, who was found guilty of fraudulently acquiring public property and handling proceeds of crime amounting to Sh7.2 million. She was fined about Sh17 million or face five years in prison.
Mary Munyiva Kamau, director of Makegra Supplies Limited, was convicted on six counts, including fraudulent acquisition of public property, uttering false documents and acquisition of proceeds of crime. She was ordered to pay approximately Sh25 million or serve 13 years behind bars.
Makegra Supplies Limited was also convicted and fined about Sh26 million, with an eight-year custodial sentence in default.
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Stephen Mutua Nguzi, director of Kilingi Investment Company Limited, was found guilty on 12 counts related to fraud, false documentation and proceeds of crime. He was fined approximately Sh32 million or face 12 years in prison.
Samuel Buku, director of Leadership Edge Associates Limited, was convicted on four counts and fined about Sh18 million or serve seven years in jail.
Lucy Wanjugu Kibogo, director of Jahazi Investment Company Limited, was convicted on seven counts, including conspiracy to commit an economic crime, fraudulent acquisition of public property and acquisition of proceeds of crime. She was ordered to pay approximately Sh37 million or serve 13 years in prison.
Following the conviction of Jahazi Investment Company Limited, the court imposed an additional fine of about Sh15 million, with a six-year jail term in default. Zohali Investment, a company linked to Ms Kibogo, was also fined approximately Sh20 million.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions welcomed the ruling, describing it as a major victory in the fight against corruption.
“These convictions mark another significant milestone in the DPP’s sustained efforts to combat corruption and economic crimes,” the ODPP said in a statement.
The judgment adds to a growing list of successful prosecutions targeting the misuse of public funds and signals a tougher stance against economic crimes in county governments.