Appearing before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina at the Milimani Law Court on 20th April 2026 before , Patrick Mutinda, pleaded not guilty to charges relating to obtaining money by false pretences.
According to court documents, on diverse dates between 6th November 2025 and 23rd December 2025, with the intent to defraud, Mutinda obtained KSH 4,265,000 from Nicholas Wambua Muthanga by falsely pretending that he was in a position to help him secure slots in the Kenya Defence Forces recruitment for his village mates though he knew this to be false.
Earlier investigations revealed that Mutinda, alongside co-accused Anthony Muthangya, allegedly defrauded Nicholas Wambua Muthanga and his family of over 4.5 million shillings. The suspects promised the victims spots in the 2025 KDF recruitment exercise, claiming they could facilitate the process in exchange for cash.
Further inquiries showed that between November 2025 and January 2026, the complainant transferred approximately 4.5 million shillings including KSH 400,000 via M-Pesa and KSH 4,154,000 into an Equity Bank account linked to the suspects.
After receiving the money, the suspects reportedly switched phone numbers, adopted fake identities, and cut off all communication before traveling to Mombasa in an apparent attempt to evade arrest. Mutinda was arrested on April 9th during a DCI operation along Mama Ngina Street and was later transferred to Nairobi for processing.
His lawyer requested that Mutinda be granted an affordable bond and cash bail. He informed the court that the accused was ready and willing to settle the matter with the complainant and that they were already in communication.
The lawyer further stated that Mutinda is not a flight risk, as he resides in Utawala and has a business. He added that, although Mutinda was arrested in Mombasa while on his business ventures, he cooperated well with investigating officers.
The lawyer also noted that the complainant and the accused are based in the same region and are known to each other as friends.The lawyer informed the court that Mutinda has made efforts to return and has already refunded a significant amount of the money.
Mutinda, through his lawyer, promised to settle the remaining amount within three months once he is out of custody. The prosecution did not oppose Mutinda’s release on bond and requested a mention in a week’s time.
The accused was released on a bond of KSH 700,000 with one surety or an alternative cash bail of KSH 400,000.
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