The prime suspect implicated in the Kes 2.85 billion gold scam involving two Malaysians was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on Wednesday and charged with conspiracy to commit a felony.

The suspect, Kelvin Mwaura Ngotho, pleaded not guilty to both charges and was admitted to a bond of Kes 3 million or alternative cash bail of Kes 1 million.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations said that Mwaura was apprehended on Tuesday by its Operations Support Unit detectives at the same court premises when he appeared for the hearing of yet another gold scam case in which he is out on bond.

“Operations Support detectives have been pursuing Mwaura since December 27, 2023, being the mastermind of the near-success $19,000,000 gold scam deal orchestrated by an 8-member gang,” DCI said.

According to investigations, Mwaura signed a tenancy agreement with the owner to utilize the property as a residential dwelling.

As a result, the gang operated out of the Lavington location.

Detectives raided the home where Mwaura and his seven associates were picked up on the day that the deal involving 50 kg of fake gold was supposed to be sealed, but he was able to flee.

They were arraigned and the matter scheduled for mention on March 13.