Two Charged in Ksh1.5 Billion PROFIT Fraud Case
Director Charles Maiyo and business owner Auma Otieno face charges over alleged Ksh1.5 billion fraud linked to PROFIT programme.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 20, 2026
2 min read
Two individuals linked to a Ksh1.5 billion fraud case involving the Programme for Rural Outreach of Financial Innovations and Technologies (PROFIT) appeared before the Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrate's Court on August 20, 2026.
Charles Cheruiyot Maiyo, director of Kaplan Logistics Ltd, and Auma Ritah Otieno, proprietor of Ritasshell Enterprises, stand accused alongside their companies of unlawful acquisition of public property, acquiring proceeds of crime, and money laundering.
Details of the Charges
- Maiyo is alleged to have unlawfully obtained Ksh4,960,310 from a PROFIT bank account for services not rendered and is accused of knowing the funds were proceeds of crime.
- Otieno faces similar allegations for unlawfully acquiring Ksh3,412,300 from the same account under the same circumstances.
Both suspects pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Legal Proceedings and Court Orders
The prosecution, represented by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Susan Kelly and Principal Prosecution Counsel Faith Mwila, did not oppose bond but requested strict conditions, including passport surrender, travel restrictions, and non-interference with witnesses.
The defence argued for leniency, citing voluntary surrender and lack of direct involvement. Maiyo's lawyer opposed passport surrender due to frequent business travel.
The court granted each accused a bond of Ksh1.5 million with a similar surety or an alternative cash bail of Ksh600,000. Both are required to deposit their passports by August 24, 2026, remain within jurisdiction, attend court as directed, and avoid witness interference.
The case is scheduled for mention on September 2, 2026.
