Gold Scammer Joseph Lendrix Waswa Faces New Charges in Ksh1 Billion Scam

Joseph Lendrix Waswa, the central figure in the notorious Sh1 billion gold scam, is poised to make a court appearance in response to charges related to the possession of counterfeit currency.

Scheduled for October 9, 2023, Waswa, who identifies as a businessman, is facing allegations of holding counterfeit banknotes amounting to US$634,178, equivalent to Sh93,668,090 in Kenyan currency.

The directive for Waswa’s court appearance was issued by Milimani Chief Magistrate Susan Shitubi after the suspect failed to attend a previous court hearing.

Law enforcement authorities have identified Waswa as the alleged mastermind behind the recent counterfeit gold scheme, which involved a Tunisian national.

The legal proceedings stem from Waswa’s statement recorded at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters on Kiambu Road.

However, during the plea-taking stage in court, Waswa’s attorney, June Ashioya, apprised the magistrate of the accused’s absence due to health concerns.

Ashioya clarified that after providing his statement to the DCI, Waswa fell ill and was subsequently admitted to Nairobi Hospital. Following a prior three-day treatment, the doctor recommended a 14-day bed rest.

In light of this, the defense sought a two-week postponement of the plea-taking.

In response, Magistrate Shitubi granted the extension, stipulating that Waswa must personally appear on October 9 to face charges filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Additionally, she directed that Waswa should adhere to the Sh200,000 anticipatory bail granted by the High Court on September 19.

The charges leveled against Waswa assert that on September 7, he and unidentified accomplices were found in possession of counterfeit US$634,178 currency notes in denominations of 100.

The prosecution contends that Waswa knowingly held these forged banknotes without lawful authorization or justification.

This legal development follows the recent apprehension of 13 suspects, including DCI officer Festo Akula Wamwayi, in connection with the same gold scam case.

As the legal proceedings advance, the public eagerly anticipates the trial’s outcome, given its significant financial ramifications and the alleged involvement of prominent individuals.