Suspects in a Sh10 million fraud case involving alleged impersonation of President Uhuru Kenyatta have claimed their lives are in danger, citing surveillance and harassment by law enforcement.
Joseph Waswa and Isaac Wanyonyi, two of seven arrested individuals, stated they are being followed by unidentified vehicles and police cars daily. They alleged ongoing intimidation, including calls from unknown numbers, and expressed fears for their safety during a Nairobi press conference.
Lawyer Cliff Ombeta criticized police conduct, noting clients were subjected to harassment despite court appearances and a directive to report weekly. 'There is always a car in front of my client’s gate, one during the day and another at night,' he said, urging authorities to cease 'harassment.'
Wanyonyi called for professional police investigations without endangering suspects' families. Waswa claimed police tortured him during arrest, violating legal principles of presumption of innocence. 'I have never met Naushad Merali and deny any knowledge of the Sh10 million claim,' he stated, adding, 'I can earn that money within three months.'
The suspects, including Duncan Muchai, William Simiyu, David Luganya, Gilbert Kirunja, and Anthony Wafula, were arrested on February 22 and 23. They allegedly contacted Merali, posing as the president to facilitate a land purchase, and were released on Sh100,000 bonds. If convicted of conspiracy to defraud, they face up to three years in prison.
