A man accused of defrauding a businessman of KSh 260 million is facing fraud charges following investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The suspect, identified as Eliud Gilisho, alias Eliud Limuyu, has reportedly been presenting himself as an aspiring Member of Parliament for Buuri Constituency in Meru County.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved charges against the suspect following investigations into an alleged fraud scheme that detectives say involved deception, psychological manipulation and attempts to create mistrust among the victim’s business associates.
Investigators allege that Limuyu used a divide-and-rule strategy to isolate the complainant while exploiting his trust and financial resources. The scheme reportedly centred on claims that he was developing an advanced weapon-detection device and needed initial funding to complete and commercialise the technology.
The complainant, Tony Ketter, is an ICT businessman with business interests in South Africa and Angola. According to his statement to police, he was introduced to the suspect through a former female employee identified as Samali Kirika, a Ugandan national whom investigators reportedly suspect of involvement in the alleged scheme.
What initially appeared to be a promising technology investment allegedly developed into a sophisticated web of deception. Detectives say the suspect fabricated digital identities and impersonated wealthy investors purportedly based in the United States and France to create the impression that substantial international financing was available for the proposed invention.
The alleged impersonators reportedly contacted Ketter through emails expressing interest in investing significant sums in the technology. However, investigators believe the supposed investors were part of a wider scheme intended to persuade the businessman to release more money.
In another allegation, Limuyu is said to have convinced Ketter that American individuals were plotting to kill him and steal his invention. The purported threats allegedly led the businessman into isolation, allowing the suspect to exercise greater influence over his movements and financial decisions.
Ketter told police that he ultimately lost approximately KSh 260 million through the alleged scheme. He further claimed that he was forced to abandon his business operations in South Africa and return to Kenya after concerns emerged that the suspect and his alleged accomplices were targeting his family's extensive land holdings in Nandi County.
The businessman reportedly resisted attempts by speculators to gain control of the property amid allegations that the land had become another target in the dispute.
“He is dropping names of prominent personalities, but we hope for justice,” Ketter said, expressing confidence that the legal process would establish the truth.
Following the allegations, Ketter recorded a statement with the DCI's Serious Crimes Unit. Investigators subsequently examined the complaint and reportedly found sufficient grounds to recommend charges against the suspect.
The complainant has also alleged that Limuyu threatened him and warned of further consequences if he failed to withdraw his complaints.
Meanwhile, investigators have reportedly raised concerns over the suspect's travel documents. Police investigations indicate that he allegedly possesses a forged Israeli passport alongside several visas, including one purportedly issued by the United States. The DCI has reportedly sought clarification from the respective embassies to establish the authenticity of the documents.
Further scrutiny has allegedly revealed discrepancies between the dates of birth appearing on his identification documents and those recorded in his passport, raising additional questions about his identity and documentation.
Limuyu, who has declared interest in contesting the Buuri parliamentary seat in the forthcoming elections, was arrested pending arraignment in court.
The case highlights concerns surrounding sophisticated financial fraud, identity impersonation and the exploitation of personal trust in high-value business transactions. As the legal process unfolds, the allegations against the suspect will be tested in court, and he remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
