Three Kenyans Held in Nairobi as US Pursues Extradition Over Fraud Claims

A Nairobi court has ordered three Kenyan nationals accused of financial fraud in the United States to remain in custody for two weeks while extradition proceedings are prepared.

The Milimani Law Courts directed that Peter Omari, Francis Asanyo and Elvis Obaigwa be held at Kileleshwa Police Station. The ruling followed an application by Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, who argued that the men are a flight risk and face serious charges of international concern.

The case arises from indictments issued by the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in November 2023. The suspects are charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and aiding and abetting offences under US law. Prosecutors also stated that the alleged conduct breaches Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act.

Inspector Joshat Chebon of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations presented evidence linking the men to a scheme involving Business Email Compromise and Vendor Account Compromise. Investigators allege that between 2019 and 2023, the group created fake internet domains resembling legitimate businesses, tricked victims into redirecting payments, and used US-based “money mules” to transfer proceeds back to Kenya.

The arrests were carried out through cooperation between the DCI, Interpol and the FBI. Ingonga told the court that the suspects had fled the US but were traced and detained in Nairobi.

Defence lawyers challenged the detention order. Counsel Ishmaek Nyaribo said the suspects were unwell and unwilling to cooperate with investigators, while advocate Danstan Omari argued that they had a constitutional right to decline police questioning. The court directed that the men be taken to hospital for medical assessment.

The matter will return to court in two weeks, when judges will consider further directions depending on whether the US has submitted a formal extradition request.