Nairobi trader loses Sh1 million in alleged Macadamia seed scam

A businesswoman from Pipeline, Nairobi, is counting losses after allegedly being defrauded by two suspects who lured her into a fictitious macadamia seeds venture.

The duo allegedly convinced her that the seeds were in high demand in India, where they were used in the manufacture of cancer medication, promising substantial profits.

Alex Mutuku Kioko and Mourine Mueni Peter were arraigned before the Makadara Law Courts. They are accused of obtaining Sh1,000,000 from Peninah Wanjiru through fraudulent means between June 10 and 12, 2026.

According to the charges, the suspects were acting with others still at large.

Kioko pitched a lucrative business opportunity, convincing Peninah that each seed could be bought for Sh2,000 and resold for Sh3,300, with an alleged ready market in India for cancer medicine production.

He even claimed a flight had already been booked for shipment.

Mueni confirmed she had the seeds and later delivered 150 of them, which Wanjiru purchased in cash for Sh 300,000.

After the delivery of more seeds and the final funds transfer, all contact numbers went silent.

Wanjiru realised she had been defrauded and reported the matter to the police.

Kioko was granted a cash bail of Sh 100,000 while Mueni was released on a Sh 150,000 bail pending hearing on December 9, 2026.

Subsequent demands followed rapidly. This led to further payments. A day later, the complainant sent Sh 301,000 for an additional 150 seeds delivered by a motorcycle rider.

Additional mobile money transfers from her residence brought the total mobile payments to Sh 701,000, added to the initial transaction.

After the final transfer, all contact numbers went silent. Wanjiru realised she had been defrauded and reported the matter to the police.

Kioko was granted a cash bail of Sh 100,000 while Mueni was released on a cash bail of Sh 150,000 pending hearing on December 9, 2026.