In a case that has captured significant attention, a politician and a lawyer have been charged with stealing Sh62 million from an Israeli national. The accused, Ford Kenya politician Emmanuel Charles Osore and lawyer Michael Otieno Owano, appeared before Milimani Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe and denied the charges. This article delves into the details of the case, exploring the timeline of events, legal proceedings, and broader implications.
The Accused: Emmanuel Charles Osore and Michael Otieno Owano
Emmanuel Charles Osore, a politician affiliated with Ford Kenya, and Michael Otieno Owano, a practicing lawyer, have been implicated in a significant financial scam. Both men have found themselves at the center of legal scrutiny as they face serious allegations.
The Victim: Cohen Oshry
The victim of this elaborate scam is Cohen Oshry, an Israeli national who was allegedly defrauded of USD 400,000, equivalent to Sh62 million. Oshry was deceived under the pretense that the funds would secure a lucrative tender with Kenya’s Ministry of Defense.
The charge sheet outlines several offenses:
Conspiracy to steal USD 400,000.
Obtaining money by false pretenses.
Uttering false documents.
Osore faces additional charges related to the creation of false legal documents.
Court Appearance and Plea
During their court appearance before Milimani Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe, both Osore and Owano denied all charges. Their plea sets the stage for a legal battle that will be closely monitored by various stakeholders.
The Role of the Prosecution Evidence Presented
The prosecution presented a detailed account of the scam, including forged documents and testimony from involved parties. The charge sheet highlighted the specific actions taken by the accused to defraud Oshry.
Witnesses Listed
Three individuals have been listed as key witnesses in the trial. Their testimonies are expected to shed light on the intricacies of the scam and the involvement of the accused.
Legal Documents Forged Fake Cyber Security Project Commitment Letter
One of the central pieces of evidence is a false cyber security project commitment letter. Osore allegedly crafted this document to convince Oshry of the tender’s authenticity and urgency.
False Service Level Agreement Contract
In addition to the commitment letter, Osore is accused of creating a fraudulent Service Level Agreement (SLA) contract. This document, purportedly issued by the Ministry of Defense, was intended to formalize the non-existent tender.
Emmanuel Charles Osore’s Bond and Bail
Osore was released on a bond of Sh5 million or an alternative cash bail of Sh500,000. These conditions reflect the severity of the charges and the potential flight risk.
Michael Otieno Owano’s Bond and Bail
Lawyer Owano, facing a single count, was granted a bond of Sh3 million or a cash bail of Sh400,000. The differing amounts highlight the varied roles and charges faced by the two accused.
Financial and Emotional Toll on Cohen Oshry
For Cohen Oshry, the financial loss is significant, but the emotional toll may be even greater. Trusting individuals who turned out to be fraudsters has likely shaken his confidence in cross-border investments and dealings.
