A Congolese national has been charged with obtaining Sh 156 million from an Asian company by pretending to be in a position to sell 84 metric tonnes of Tantalum niobium ore (tantalite)
Lumumba Ulundu Patrick alias alias Gabriel Kulonda Ilungu alias Lumumba Patrick Byarufu is accused of obtaining USD 1 million (Sh 156M) from Yingchen (Shenzenhen) International Trade Company Limited for the precious ore allegedly ferried in two containers, a fact he knew to be false.
According to the investigators, the accused allegedly shipped soil instead of the tantalite after being paid USD 1 million.
Patrick is alleged to have committed the offence on 26th December 2023 in Kenya, jointly with others not before court and with intent to defraud.
The accused is also charged with conspiring with others not before court to steal the said money on diverse dates between 7th August and 26th December 2023 in the Republic of Kenya.
He denied the charges before Chief Magistrate Bernard Ochoi. The prosecution opposed his release on bond on grounds that he a flight risk
He will remain in custody until Monday 8th when the court will determine whether to release him on bail pending the hearing and determination of the case.
