A prominent advocate from Nairobi, Michael Otieno Owano, was arrested yesterday in connection with a fraudulent tender scheme that swindled an American citizen and his businesses out of more than Ksh 182 million.
The arrest took place at the Milimani Law Courts, where Owano was present for a hearing related to a different criminal case. The victim, who owns the Underground Pipeline Rehabilitation Company, had reported being lured into a fake tender operation involving several law firms.
The scheme began in 2022 when the victim was approached by a man named Alvin Alexander, who falsely presented himself as the CEO of Orion AST Company. Alexander convinced the American businessman to travel to Kenya under the pretense of securing lucrative government contracts.
Owano, who leads *Owano Michael & Co. Advocates*, now faces charges in this tender fraud case along with several accomplices, as the investigation continues to unfold.
During a recent visit, the complainant encountered individuals impersonating government officials who presented three counterfeit tenders for significant government projects, such as control systems, information management systems, and automatic weather stations.
Misled into believing the documents were authentic, the victim was directed to make large payments to secure the tenders and work permits for foreign workers. A total of USD 1,617,200 (approximately Ksh 182,743,600) was transferred to various escrow accounts managed by four law firms, including Owano Michael & Co. Advocates, which received USD 90,000 for legal fees related to two contracts.
Other firms involved were Ollando Misare & Associates, Dennis Onyango & Company Associates, and Ouko Angado Co. Advocates, with funds allocated for work permits and bid bonds. However, after the payments, the complainant faced delays and evasions when trying to follow up, leading to growing suspicions and a report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which initiated an investigation into the scam.
Owano, known for his previous legal issues, was arrested by detectives from the Operations Support Unit and processed for arraignment but was later released on cash bail while awaiting the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to approve charges. The investigation continues, with law enforcement actively seeking other members of the fraudulent syndicate. Owano’s arrest underscores the increasing alarm over fraudulent activities in Kenya’s legal and business sectors, prompting authorities to commit to cracking down on those involved in such criminal operations.
