The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kenya Veterans for Peace, Nelson Mukara Sechere, has recently been implicated in multiple cases of high-stakes fraud involving over KSh 20 million worth of goods and services. These allegations, spanning a series of incidents between 2022 and 2024, bring to light serious accusations of obtaining goods and funds through deceitful practices.
Overview of the Fraud Allegations
Nelson Mukara Sechere faces multiple charges related to fraud, primarily centering on goods such as rice, cooking oil, and sugar, reportedly obtained under pretenses. The alleged schemes involve both goods acquired in 2023 and larger consignment orders reportedly promised to be paid upon delivery but ultimately left unpaid.
Detailed Breakdown of the December 2023 Charges
Goods Allegedly Obtained by False Pretenses
In December 2023, Sechere allegedly acquired goods valued at over KSh 4 million under fraudulent circumstances. According to court records, he, along with unidentified accomplices, orchestrated a transaction to obtain 600 sacks of rice and 500 jerrycans of cooking oil.
False Representation and Agreement
The accusations state that Sechere misrepresented the intentions of Kenya Veterans for Peace by presenting a false contract for the goods in question. The prosecution argues that Sechere knowingly engaged in deceit, falsely portraying that he was authorized and capable of completing the purchase.
Further Allegations from 2024
Details of the July–September 2024 Allegations
Following the December 2023 case, a new set of charges arose in 2024, covering alleged fraudulent activity that took place from July to September. These claims involve obtaining an even larger consignment valued at approximately KSh 16,989,500. The items allegedly procured without intent to pay included 12,040 kilograms of sugar, 15,020 kilograms of rice, and 5,720 kilograms of cooking oil.
The pattern of Fraudulent Activity
Sechere allegedly used similar tactics to acquire these goods by creating a fabricated agreement and assuring the suppliers, notably Kipkoech Mutai, of payment upon delivery, knowing full well that the payment would not be honored. This continuous pattern of allegations suggests a systematic approach to obtaining valuable goods without fulfilling payment obligations, as accused by the prosecution.
Legal Implications and Arguments Presented
Defense’s Argument: Civil Suit vs. Criminal Charges
Sechere’s legal defense, led by lawyer Jack Bigambo, maintains that the charges should be addressed as civil matters rather than criminal. Bigambo argues that prosecuting these issues criminally constitutes an abuse of legal authority, given that these are, in his view, civil business disputes rather than outright criminal offenses. This perspective raises questions about the classification of fraud and whether Sechere’s actions fall into civil or criminal categories.
Prosecution’s Perspective
The prosecution contends that Sechere’s actions constitute criminal fraud due to the deliberate misrepresentation and deceit involved. Furthermore, they argue that the monetary value and volume of goods, as well as the repeated nature of the alleged offenses, warrant criminal charges and justify rigorous legal proceedings.
Additional Cases of Alleged Fraud
July 2022 Job Recruitment Scam
Sechere has a record of previous fraud charges dating back to 2022. He was accused of defrauding six individuals by promising them placements at the Kiganjo Police College in exchange for KSh 400,000 each. This alleged scam, valued at KSh 2.4 million, also involved assurances of expedited admission, playing upon the victims’ hopes of securing prestigious jobs.
Court’s Response and Bond Terms
Given the severity of the charges, the court has placed stringent bail requirements on Sechere. In connection with the KSh 4 million December case, he was released on a bond of KSh 5 million or a cash bail of KSh 2 million. In a separate file involving different amounts and victims, his bond was set at KSh 2 million or a cash bail of KSh 1 million. This structure reflects the court’s cautious approach in light of the high-value fraud allegations.
Upcoming Pre-Trial and Consolidation
With pre-trial and consolidation scheduled for October 29, 2024, the legal process is advancing, bringing all active cases against Sechere into a unified examination. This step will allow the court to address the interconnected nature of the cases, and it may impact how the charges and evidence are presented.
Read: Dennis Kamau Kariuki Lawyer Charged with Forgery at Milimani Law Courts
The fraud allegations against Nelson Mukara Sechere, CEO of Kenya Veterans for Peace, paint a troubling picture of repeated, high-value schemes to obtain goods and money under pretenses. As the cases proceed to trial, the outcome may set a precedent for how such matters are handled within charitable organizations and reinforce the line between civil and criminal fraud. With the pre-trial hearing scheduled, this legal journey continues to be closely observed, highlighting critical questions about leadership accountability and organizational integrity.