This week, authorities charged an Uber driver with defrauding a client out of over Ksh 600,000 in exchange for expediting work permits and special passes.
Samwel Barasa Bahati stands accused of obtaining Ksh 632,300 from Harrison Katumo Kimeu between November 23, 2023, and July 10, 2024.
Bahati allegedly pretended to have the capability to process these documents, which were essential for Kimeu and his dependents as they planned to leave Kenya.
In November, Kimeu approached Bahati, seeking his help to fast-track the processing of the necessary documents.
Bahati assured him that the process would be completed promptly.
Kimeu transferred the funds to Bahati via M-Pesa.
However, Kimeu soon discovered that the documents Bahati provided contained clerical errors.
Despite Bahati’s assurances that he would correct the mistakes, Kimeu grew increasingly concerned.
Upon further investigation at the immigration offices, Kimeu found that their details were nonexistent in the system.
Realising he had been deceived, Kimeu reported the fraud to the authorities.
Bahati was later arrested and charged by the Makadara Law Courts.
He entered a not-guilty plea to the charges and received Ksh50,000 in bail.
