By Grace Gilo
Detectives from the Operation Support Unit (OSU) have apprehended Benson Gembe Odero and Emmulate Adhiambo Othuno, the alleged masterminds behind a sophisticated gold scam that defrauded foreign investors out of millions.
This development follows a prolonged investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
“After months on the run, two gold scammers who have been slipping through the police dragnet have finally been brought to book,” stated the DCI.
The case, which dates back to September 2024, was sparked by complaints from two investors based in Dubai who were lured by the promise of an enticing deal to purchase 35 kilograms of gold.
According to the DCI, after several days of negotiations, they arrived in Kenya, where they were received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and “were chauffeured to a plush Kilimani hotel and introduced to an elaborate network of accomplices, some posing as KRA Customs officers, Ministry of Mining officials, and even licensed private jet operators.”
Unbeknownst to the investors, they fell victim to a well-orchestrated scheme that saw them defrauded of USD 54,300 before they realized they were being scammed.
Following their complaint, the DCI launched a rigorous investigation that led to a series of coordinated raids on November 5, 2024, across Runda, Ridgeways, and the Industrial Area, resulting in the arrest of 31 suspects involved in the fraudulent operation.
“However, Odero and Othuno managed to stay one step ahead until August 13, 2025, when OSU detectives finally cornered and arrested them in a targeted operation,” DCI added.
The two appeared today, August 14, 2025, before Milimani Law Courts No. 3 for plea taking, where they denied the charges.
The case has been adjourned to August 18, 2025, for a determination of their bond terms as the investigation continues.