Fraud, Robbery, and Deception: The Criminal Trail of Businessman David Kinyua Ndegwa

Businessman David Kinyua Ndegwa’s Criminal Web Unraveled: Fraud, Robbery, and a Shady Past

Nairobi businessman David Kinyua Ndegwa is once again at the center of legal scrutiny, facing charges of defrauding a client of Ksh 6.8 million. His arraignment at the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court has reignited concerns over his long history of alleged fraud, robbery, and financial misdeeds.

Fraudulent Real Estate Deal

Ndegwa stands accused of duping Richard Emoru Oboo into believing he would facilitate the purchase of a three-bedroom apartment on Ngong Road, Nairobi. Between October 31, 2016, and June 1, 2018, he allegedly received Ksh 6.88 million from Oboo without delivering on the promise. Instead, the victim was left stranded, with no property and no recourse.

The businessman denied the charges and was released on a Ksh 100,000 cash bail as the case proceeds.

A Pattern of Crime: The 2020 Robbery Case

Ndegwa is no stranger to legal trouble. In July 2020, he was arrested for his involvement in a string of violent robberies in Kenya’s Central Region. Alongside three accomplices, he allegedly lured unsuspecting victims into his vehicle before attacking and robbing them. Victims were blindfolded, beaten, and forced to hand over valuables.

At the time of his arrest, multiple mobile phones, ATM cards, and a vehicle number plate were recovered from him. Notably, he had a pending robbery case at the Thika Law Courts when he was apprehended.

The Criminal Appeal and Stolen Firearm Case

Previously, David Kinyua Ndegwa, also known as David Kinyua Kairu alias Tempo, was convicted of stealing a firearm and sentenced to three years in prison in Criminal Case No. 504 of 2016. His conviction led to an appeal in the High Court of Kenya at Nyeri (Criminal Appeal No. E001 of 2020).

During the appeal, Ndegwa argued that the court had not considered the period he had spent in custody before his conviction. He was first arrested on May 3, 2016, and later released on bond. However, his bond was canceled on August 29, 2019, after his surety passed away. From that date, he remained in custody until his sentencing on December 9, 2019.

The High Court, in a ruling delivered on June 24, 2021, by Hon. A. Mshila, granted his request to have the three months and eleven days spent in custody deducted from his sentence.

Associates in Crime: Links to Murder and ATM Fraud

One of Ndegwa’s key associates was Jane Wanjiru Macharia, who was implicated in a murder case at the Nanyuki High Court. She and her father, Charles Macharia, were arrested in 2018 after they were caught in possession of a deceased person’s vehicle and electronics.

Wanjiru was also involved in a June 2020 robbery, where a victim was forced to withdraw Ksh 100,000 at gunpoint. She was caught on CCTV footage withdrawing money from a KCB ATM booth in Kenol.

Public Outcry and Calls for Accountability

The latest fraud case has led to renewed calls for stricter monitoring of repeat offenders. Many Kenyans are questioning how Ndegwa, with his criminal past, was still able to operate freely and conduct fraudulent business deals.

Critics argue that his multiple arrests and convictions should have disqualified him from engaging in real estate transactions or handling large financial deals.

The Bigger Picture: Legal Loopholes and Weak Enforcement

Ndegwa’s case exposes broader issues in Kenya’s legal and enforcement systems. Questions remain:

• Why was he granted bail despite a history of violent crime?
• Why was he able to engage in business transactions despite prior fraud cases?
• What measures are in place to prevent repeat offenders from defrauding more victims?

Legal analysts warn that unless there is a crackdown on white-collar crime, more Kenyans will fall victim to fraudsters like Ndegwa.

As the court case progresses, many await justice for Richard Emoru Oboo and the many others who may have fallen victim to Ndegwa’s fraudulent schemes. Whether he will finally be held accountable remains to be seen, but his history suggests a pattern of crime that has been left unchecked for too long.

The Kenyan justice system must take a firm stand against repeat offenders to restore public confidence in the rule of law.