Three arraigned over Sh3.8 million fake mercury scam

Three suspects were arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts over a fraudulent scheme that saw an unsuspecting Kenyan woman lose Sh3.8 million in a bogus mercury trade deal.

The court heard that the complainant was allegedly lured into the purported mercury business on December 13, 2025, after being introduced to the venture by a friend who promised lucrative returns.

She was subsequently linked to Joseph Mutua Maingi, who claimed to be a close associate of one Godana Hamisi, described as a prominent mercury dealer operating an upscale exchange in Mombasa.

According to investigators, two days later the complainant travelled to Mombasa where she met the alleged dealer.

She was taken to a dimly lit room in Mtwapa and instructed to lie on a mat and close her eyes.

Moments later, she was handed a bottle wrapped in black and red cloth, purportedly containing mercury.

However, upon returning to Nairobi, the complainant discovered that the bottle contained no mercury.

By then, she had already parted with Sh3.8 million in cash and M-Pesa transfers in what she believed was payment to secure the consignment.

Detectives launched investigations following the report and traced the suspects using forensic leads.

The alleged mastermind, Lewis Olemanyasi, also known as Godana Hamisi, was arrested in Kitui town alongside his accomplice Iren Mueni Antony.

A third suspect, Joseph Mutua Maingi, was apprehended in Kamulu.

The trio appeared in court on Wednesday where they faced two counts of obtaining money by false pretences and conspiracy to defraud.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court released each of the accused on a cash bail of Sh500,000 or a bond of Sh800,000 pending trial.

The case will be mentioned for pre-trial on February 19, 2026.