A man accused of defrauding a Kenyan woman living in the United States of over Sh800,000 was on Tuesday arraigned before the Makadara Law Courts in Nairobi. The suspect, Parmenas Kivinga Kisengese, was charged with cheating, contrary to Section 315 of the Penal Code.
Kisengese appeared before Magistrate Praxides Oduke, where he denied the charges and pleaded for bail. The prosecution alleged that the accused committed the offense on various dates between August 14, 2023, and August 18, 2023. According to the charge sheet, Kisengese, along with an accomplice who is yet to be apprehended, obtained Sh870,733 from Sandra Mercy Mwangangi through fraudulent tricks. He allegedly deceived the complainant by falsely claiming to engage in online writing, knowing the claim to be untrue.
The accused’s defense lawyer appealed for leniency, urging the court to grant reasonable bail terms. After hearing the arguments, Magistrate Oduke granted Kisengese a cash bail of Sh50,000. The court set the hearing date for September 2, 2025.
Authorities reported that Kisengese, a resident of Embakasi in Nairobi, was apprehended on March 23, 2025, by officers from Ikanga Police Station in Kitui County. He was later transferred to Embakasi Police Station in Nairobi, where he remained in custody until his court appearance.
The case was initiated following a formal complaint lodged by the victim on September 3, 2024. Subsequent investigations led to the suspect’s arrest months later. Law enforcement officials stated that the accused used fraudulent means to gain the victim’s trust and extract money under false pretenses.
Cases of online fraud have been on the rise in Kenya, with authorities urging citizens to exercise caution when engaging in online transactions. Financial scams targeting unsuspecting victims, especially those in the diaspora, have become more prevalent, prompting increased scrutiny and legal action.
The case against Kisengese will proceed to trial next year, where the prosecution is expected to present evidence and witnesses. If found guilty, he could face severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and restitution orders.
