An advocate identified as Michael Otieno Owano has been arrested in connection with a Ksh 182 million fake tender scam that defrauded an American company.
According to DCI, the Detectives from the Operations Support Unit apprehended Owano on Wednesday within the Milimani Law Courts precinct, where he had attended a session for another ongoing criminal case in which he is an accused person.
“Michael Otieno Owano, an advocate and supposed face of Owano Michael & Co. Advocates was arrested yesterday after a session he had attended at court no. 5 for the mention of another criminal case (CR 145/13/2024) in which he is the accused person.” DCI satated.
The investigating agency also noted that Owano presented two more fake tender documents; Tender No ICTA/RFP/03/2022-2022: Provision of Consultancy Services for the Process of Design, Implementing and maintenance of an Information Management System (ISMS) and Tender No. MEWNR/T/18/2021-2022. Supply, Delivery, Installation and Commissioning of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS).
“In the process, the complainant was hoodwinked to make payments to facilitate the tenders and work permits as part of the conditions to be met before commencing the projects. Payments amounting to USD 1,617,200 (equivalent to Ksh 182,743,600) were made as instructed by the purported government officials,” DCI added.
According to DCI, Owano Michael & Company Advocates law firm received $90,000 for legal fees for contract 1&2 while Ollando Misare & Associates, LLP received $30,000 for legal fees, $262,000, and $285,000 for Bid Bond for contract 3.
On the other hand, Dennis Onyango & Company Associates received $200,200 for work permits for Orion employees while Ouko Angado Co. Advocates pocketed $750,000 for work permits for Orion employees.
“What followed the payments were months of being taken in circles, with the once hospitable and respectable members of the syndicate blocking contact and foiling scheduled meetings. Devastated, the complainant reported the fraud with the DCI and investigations were launched,” DCI added.
DCI said Owano was arraigned in court on Wednesday and later released on cash bail to await approval of the charges leveled against him by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
