Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o was on Tuesday charged with falsely defrauding Ms Claudia Mueni Mutungi Sh29 million.
Ms Nyakang’o, who was charged alongside 10 others who were not present in court, was also charged with operating a Sacco without a license and forgery.
Ms Nyakang’o, who appeared before Mombasa Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku, denied the charges and was released on a Sh2 million bond with a surety of similar amount or an alternative of Sh500,000 cash bail.
Ms Nyakang’o allegedly, with intent to defraud, jointly with others pretended that she was carrying on a genuine investment product, FEP Sacco Advantage (Mavuno) and falsely defrauded Ms Mutungi of the said amount of money.
The accused is also alleged to have jointly been found transacting a financial business, FEP Sacco Society Limited without a valid license from the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority.
The offences are alleged to have been committed on diverse dates between November 1, 2019 and May 1, 2020 at unknown place within the country.
Ms Nyakang’o is also alleged to have forged the signature of Ms Mutungi in the FEP Sacco membership application form with intent to defraud and without lawful authority on December 2, 2019 at FEP Sacco Society Limited in Mombasa.
Others accused charged alongside Ms Nyakang’o who were not in court are Jackson Wanjau, Susan Kiambati, James Wanyangi, John Kithaka, Jane Ndayi, Muthoni Eliphas, Joan Chumo, Mercy Mukora, Gregory Mailu and Michael Kangogo.
Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Peter Kiprop did not oppose the release of the accused on bond.
“We have no objection to the release of the accused on bond. She may be admitted on reasonable bond terms. We shall be asking for summons to be issued to the other accused who are not in court,” said Mr Kiprop.
Through her lawyer, Godfrey Mutubia, Ms Nyakang’o asked to be released on bail and also told the court that she was arrested on Monday at her house.
Mr Mutubia sought to be supplied with copies of the charge sheet and all documents the prosecution intends to rely on in the case, an application which the court allowed.
The case has been fixed for mention on December 13, 2023 when the other accused persons are expected to be present and take plea.
