Kenyan Woman Charged with Stealing Sh40.6 Million from US Charity

A Kenyan woman is facing fraud-related charges for allegedly stealing over Sh40 million from an American charity.

Appearing before a Kiambu court on Wednesday, Mwanaidi Kheyo Makhoha was charged with forging receipts to embezzle Sh40.6 million from Real Medicine Foundation (RMF) between 2011 and 2016.

The court heard that the money was meant to help children from needy families in Turkana get access to better healthcare but Makhoha, a project manager, filed false reports to RMF.

RMF founder, Dr. Martina Fuchs said the Sh64,218,605 donated by her organization towards the project could not be accounted for. Fuchs is the complainant in the case.

Makokha is accused of forging receipts for the purchase of various goods and services from Muthaiga Travel Agencies, Maresh Health Care Limited, Uchumi Stores, Salama Cyclemart & Hardware, Bungoma West Pharmacy Limited (Kimilili), Dayash Epress Medics, Challymax Importers Limited, and air tickets from Fly540.

The complainant’s attorney, Pauline Kiteng’e raised concerns over the delay of the case, saying her client has incurred huge expenses during the period.

“Dr. Fuchs feels that justice is not being done given that it's five years now when the trial began,” she said.

Magistrate Grace Omotho said the delay was due to the transfer of two other magistrates. The case will continue on May 19th, 2021.

Makokha pleaded not guilty to all the 10 counts leveled against her and was released on bond.