Man who got rich from mimicking Uhuru Kenyatta's voice

Kenyan Court Handles an Unprecedented Fraud Case Involving Fake Presidential Calls

Kenya is currently witnessing an extraordinary court case that stands out as one of the most unique in its legal history. Apart from the details of the case itself, there is explosive information involving a past business deal between complainant Naushad Merali and the Kenyatta family, which we’ll discuss later.

Investigators have left Kenyans stunned by revealing that a young man allegedly impersonated President Uhuru Kenyatta’s voice with incredible precision. Using this skill, the suspect reportedly called the chairman of the Sameer Group, Naushad Merali, convincing him to release funds for a supposed deal. The fraudster, posing as the president, claimed the funds—initially KSh 10 million—were required to facilitate the arrangements for a government tender.

At the time, Merali was out of the country but instructed his finance director to release the money to individuals reportedly sent by the “President.” Notably, high-end vehicles, complete with police outriders, arrived at the Sameer Group to collect the funds. Investigators say this fraud was not an isolated incident, with the Sameer Group ultimately losing KSh 80 million to the fraudsters.

The Key Suspect: Gilbert Karonga

Authorities believe the mastermind behind the scheme is Gilbert Karonga, a 33-year-old IT graduate. When investigators arrested Karonga, they were shocked to find him living in a luxurious, gated residence in Karen. Despite his opulent lifestyle, Karonga is unemployed and has no known business ventures, further raising suspicion about the source of his wealth.

An Elaborate Scheme

This case is alarming not only because of the sum involved but also because it highlights how deeply connected the fraudsters were. Investigators believe rogue officers from Kilimani Police Station and individuals within various government offices, including State House, were complicit. The presence of police outriders during the money collection only adds to the complexity of the scheme.

Merali, a seasoned businessman with decades of experience, would not typically fall for a poorly executed scam. This suggests the fraudsters meticulously planned the scheme, covering every detail to avoid raising suspicion. Investigators claim the fraudsters had informants in critical offices who helped make the ruse more believable.

Discovery of the Fraud

The scheme unraveled when Merali’s office sent a letter to State House inquiring about the progress of the alleged deal. Upon reviewing the letter, State House staff realized something was amiss and immediately involved the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). This led to the arrest of several suspects, including Karonga.

Historical Context: Fraud in the Name of the President

This is not the first time fraudsters have exploited the president's name. During Jomo Kenyatta's era, similar scams were rampant. Fraudsters would claim to represent the president, coercing business owners to sell properties, hotels, or land. Victims, unable to verify the claims or challenge such powerful assertions, often complied.

However, times have changed, and such schemes are far harder to execute today. Yet, the current case demonstrates how modern technology and well-placed connections can still enable large-scale fraud.

Merali’s Connection to the Kenyatta Family

The case becomes even more intriguing when considering Merali’s prior dealings with the Kenyatta family. In 2015, the Sameer Group sold its Ugandan subsidiary, Sameer Agriculture and Livestock Limited, to Brookside Dairies, a company majority-owned by the Kenyatta family. Given this history, Merali could have easily verified the alleged instructions from the “President” if suspicions had been raised.

Implications Going Forward

The ongoing trial will likely uncover more about the high-level contacts involved in the scam. Investigators are particularly focused on identifying insiders at State House and other government offices who facilitated the fraud. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by rogue individuals within powerful institutions.