Court rejects Sh3m bail for man accused of swindling youths in overseas job scam

An Eldoret court has reinstated a bond of Sh3 million for a man accused of defrauding 18 youths in the North Rift region of a total of Sh12 million by falsely claiming he could help them secure employment in Australia.

Principal Magistrate Kesse Cheronoh, however, denied the suspect, Joseph Kipkoech Keino, an application for cash bail.

As a result, Keino was taken away in a waiting prison bus and transported to Eldoret GK remand prison after failing to raise the Sh3 million bond that would have granted him his freedom.

The court had previously granted him bond pending the hearing and determination of the fraud-related case against him, which he allegedly committed a few months ago.

His co-accused, Jael Jepkoech, is reported to have fled to neighboring countries and remains at large.

Police have sought the assistance of Interpol through a court order to arrest her and bring her back to face charges.

During the proceedings, the court learned that Keino had disappeared for five months after being charged with defrauding students from Uasin Gishu and Nandi under the pretense of securing them jobs in Australia.

He was arrested last month by Eldoret-based police officers attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations unit in Nairobi, where he had sought refuge.

When brought to court, the prosecution requested the immediate cancellation of Keino's Sh3 million bond, labeling him a flight risk.

This followed an arrest warrant issued by the Eldoret law court in April of this year.

Earlier, Keino had pleaded with the court for cash bail, arguing that being out of prison would allow him to arrange for repayment to the victims.

"Your honor, I will be able to refund the complainants' money while I am in prison, where I have been detained since my arrest last month. I pray that you grant me reasonable bond or bail terms so that I can go and look for money to pay them," Keino stated.

However, his request was ultimately denied as the Magistrate had already made a decision after Keino failed to meet the court's bond requirements.

The case will be mentioned on September 22, 2025.