A well-known advocate based in Nairobi, Michael Otieno Owano, was apprehended yesterday in relation to a fraudulent tender scheme that defrauded an American citizen and his businesses of over Ksh 182 million.
The arrest occurred at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, following a complaint from the victim, who was deceived into participating in a bogus tender operation involving multiple law firms. Owano, identified as the principal of *Owano Michael & Co. Advocates*, was taken into custody after attending a hearing for a separate criminal matter.
He faces charges in the tender fraud case alongside several accomplices. The investigation into this scam began in 2022 when the complainant, owner of Underground Pipeline Rehabilitation Company, was approached by an individual named Alvin Alexander, who falsely claimed to be the CEO of Orion AST Company, persuading the American entrepreneur to travel to Kenya under the guise of securing government contracts.
During a recent visit, the complainant encountered individuals impersonating government officials who presented three counterfeit tenders for significant government projects, such as control systems, information management systems, and automatic weather stations.
Misled into believing the documents were authentic, the victim was directed to make large payments to secure the tenders and work permits for foreign workers. A total of USD 1,617,200 (approximately Ksh 182,743,600) was transferred to various escrow accounts managed by four law firms, including Owano Michael & Co. Advocates, which received USD 90,000 for legal fees related to two contracts.
Other firms involved were Ollando Misare & Associates, Dennis Onyango & Company Associates, and Ouko Angado Co. Advocates, with funds allocated for work permits and bid bonds. However, after the payments, the complainant faced delays and evasions when trying to follow up, leading to growing suspicions and a report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which initiated an investigation into the scam.
Owano, known for his previous legal issues, was arrested by detectives from the Operations Support Unit and processed for arraignment but was later released on cash bail while awaiting the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to approve charges. The investigation continues, with law enforcement actively seeking other members of the fraudulent syndicate. Owano’s arrest underscores the increasing alarm over fraudulent activities in Kenya’s legal and business sectors, prompting authorities to commit to cracking down on those involved in such criminal operations.
