Raila: How I Saved Dubai Ruler from Being Conned by Kenyan Fake Gold Scammers

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has spoken about his role in the fake gold scam in which senior Kenyan politicians, businessmen, and government officials have been adversely mentioned.

Speaking when he attended a burial ceremony in Kisii County, Odinga revealed that he is the one who exposed the fake gold fraudsters.

"I was with the Arabs (Dubai rulers) when they received the call from the fraudsters who told them that they had their gold consignment and even sent a photo," Raila said.

The ODM leader recounted how the fraudsters attempted to con Dubai rulers by pretending they were in the company of Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.

The scammers asked the ruler to fulfill certain conditions so that CS Matiang'i would order the release of his gold consignment, which was purportedly detained at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

"So I told the Arabs to tell them to put Mr. Matiangi on the phone. When he came on he said, this is Matiangi, I confirm we have your consignment and if you comply with our conditions, we will transfer your consignment to Wajir Airport where you can go and pick it up,” Odinga said.

“It is at this point, that I interjected and told the Arabs that they are being duped and that those are notorious conmen," he added.

“I told the royal ruler that the voice he heard on phone was not that of the minister. I know Matiang’i’s voice and the callers were simply using it to advance their agenda."

Odinga defended CS Matiang'i against allegations that he was involved in the con scheme.

"I want to assure you that on this matter of the fake gold, Matiangi is as clean as cotton wool,” Odinga noted.

This week, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) envoy to Kenya Khalid Al Mualla rubbished reports that Dubai ruler 
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum lost Sh400 million to Kenyan fake gold scammers.