From Left: Ezekiel Momanyi Onsongo (police officer), Philip Manyura Maroko (Boda boda operator) and Dennison Mose Maroko (the alleged Nakumatt senior staff). [PHOTO/standardmedia.co.ke]
Nakumatt’s chief accountant was two years ago killed as he left the shoppers’ head offices over his move to expose fraud.
A witness in the case said James Mania Karanja was still bound to be killed at his home if he dodged his stalker who came riding a motorbike.
According to witness statements in the trial of three suspects, including Police Constable Ezekiel Momanyi Onsongo, the slain auditor was killed for revealing a major scandal at the now troubled Nakumatt.
Witnesses claim Onsongo had received a deposit payment of Sh80,000 from an insider at Nakumatt to carry out the execution.
He is currently in custody alongside the former chief accountant Phillip Manyura Maroko together with boda boda rider Dennison Mose Maroko.
An unknown balance would then be paid after completing the task, a key witness told the court.
Threatening emails have since then been sent to other senior officials in the firm after Karanja's killing, warning them of elimination should they continue with investigations into the said stealing.
“James was a young man the age mate of Gilbert and intelligent but his life is no more. Michael is a young man with a young family. I will deal with them. Mr Kimondo will follow suit. I am watching,” said the email warning sent to four senior officials.
This was sent some two months after Karanja's death.
Investigators have now narrowed the intent of the murder down to Karanja’s persistence at preventing a mega fraud perpetuated by Nakumatt senior staff and suppliers, and which was costing the shop tens of millions.
“The motive of the deceased’s death was due to the fraud investigations he was conducting at Nakumatt Holdings Ltd,” said Investigating Officer Julius Kiema.
However, no names of the fraudsters have been handed to court yet.