What was meant to be a safe haven for members’ hard-earned savings has become the scene of one of the most audacious insider frauds in recent memory. Detectives from Imenti North have arrested three suspects in a sophisticated scheme that siphoned more than Sh22.4 million from a SACCO by tampering with its computerized financial systems.
At the heart of the scandal, allegedly, is Allan Karani, the SACCO’s ICT Assistant Officer, who investigators allege orchestrated the entire operation from within. Using his privileged access to the institution’s digital infrastructure, Karani and his accomplices allegedly manipulated records to divert millions into personal accounts, said DCI Kenya in a social media post.
The breakthrough came on June 4, 2026, when Tony Mwenda was arrested. Two days ago, on June 10, a swift operation netted Karani, Sharon Kendi, and Betty Kanana. Officers seized mobile phones and a company laptop, now slated for forensic examination.
The Money Trail
Investigators traced the stolen funds through a web of accounts linked to Tony Mwenda, Sharon Kendi, Brivin Dentel, and a company called Mawingu Plus Ltd. These conduits reportedly received and withdrew the illicit cash, turning digital ghosts into real-world riches at the expense of ordinary SACCO members.
“This is a shocking betrayal of trust,” DCI said. “The very person entrusted with securing the system allegedly turned it into a personal ATM.”
The three suspects are currently in custody and expected to be arraigned soon. However, detectives believe they may only be the visible part of a larger network. Investigations are ongoing to identify additional players who may have benefited from the fraud.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has vowed to pursue all leads “until every shilling is accounted for and every perpetrator faces justice.”
This story is developing. Updates will follow as more details emerge from the court and ongoing investigations.
