Seth Mwabe Okwanyo appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Milimani Law Courts after detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested him at his Nairobi residence on August 30, 2025.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), through the Banking Fraud Investigation Unit (BFIU), filed the application under Miscellaneous Criminal Application No. E2362 of 2025.
Investigators probe KSh11.4 million fraud
According to investigators, the case involves fraudulent transactions worth KSh11,410,165.
The suspects allegedly moved the money through the Pesalink platform using Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) accounts.
Arifsend Money Transfer Limited reported the suspected fraud to the Banking Fraud Investigation Unit on July 26, 2025.
The company told investigators that 53 suspicious transactions bypassed its internal security and fraud detection systems.
Detectives link suspect to cyber attack
Investigators believe Okwanyo worked as a cybersecurity consultant specializing in vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT).
They allege that he created fraudulent application links and provided instructions that enabled the unauthorized transactions.
Detectives arrested him after tracking the alleged cyber activities.
DCI recovers equipment during arrest
During the operation, detectives searched Okwanyo’s apartment.
They recovered a fully equipped computer laboratory, a money-counting machine, and a safe.
Investigators believe the equipment may assist in the ongoing inquiry.
DCI explains investigation
Central Region Criminal Investigations Officer Abraham Mugambe told the court that the complaint prompted immediate investigations.
He said detectives established that the suspect bypassed the payment service provider’s security systems before stealing the money.
“This year, in July, a report was made to the Banking Fraud Investigations Unit in Nairobi that a payment service provider had lost KSh11.4 million through fraudulent means,” Mugambe said.
“Investigations commenced immediately. Detectives established that the suspect bypassed the provider’s security systems and defrauded the complainant of KSh11.4 million.”
Suspect identifies himself as cybersecurity consultant
Investigators told the court that Okwanyo describes himself as a cybersecurity engineer and consultant.
He also informed detectives that he dropped out of Meru University during his second year.
Concerns over rising cybercrime
The case highlights growing concerns over cyber-enabled financial fraud targeting digital payment platforms in Kenya.
Experts continue to warn that sophisticated cyber attacks expose financial institutions to significant losses.
If prosecutors charge and convict Okwanyo, he could face lengthy imprisonment, substantial fines, and asset forfeiture under Kenya’s cybercrime and anti-money laundering laws.
