The family of James Kariuki, a Kenyan detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), continues to plead for justice as he marks five years in custody over fraud allegations. Kariuki, who maintains his innocence, was convicted in a case his family says involved imposters using his stolen identity.
Speaking from their Kangoya village home in Kiambu during a church service held for spiritual support, Kariuki’s father, John Thiong’o, described the agony of seeing his son suffer abroad.
“How can I raise over Sh80 million to bail my son? Even selling everything or holding a harambee wouldn’t suffice. I feel helpless,” Thiong’o said, noting that he has sought government assistance without success.
Kariuki’s mother, Esther Wambui, expressed frustration over the UAE authorities’ failure to verify evidence that could prove her son’s innocence.
“If he truly stole that money, let them investigate us as a family, our bank accounts and property. How could he steal while in detention?” she asked.
Kariuki traveled to the UAE in May 2020 after losing his job as a security guard. While seeking employment, he encountered a Nigerian national who allegedly absconded with his identification documents, which were later used in fraudulent schemes.
On August 13, 2020, Kariuki was arrested alongside a Ugandan national over electronic fraud involving AED1.18 million (Sh41.6 million). Despite denying involvement, he was convicted on September 15, 2020, sentenced to one year in prison, and ordered deportation.
While serving his sentence, another fraud case emerged in 2021, this time involving AED2 million (Sh70 million). Prosecutors again linked Kariuki to the scheme, even though he was already behind bars. His lawyer, Jumaa Maleh of Maleih Advocates & Legal Consultants, said it was “physically impossible” for him to commit the crime during detention.
Court documents indicate that the fraud involved a fake email impersonating Arab Rock Engineering, which tricked Oceanic Wave International into transferring funds to fraudulent accounts. Transactions continued despite Kariuki’s detention, raising doubts about his involvement.
Kariuki was subsequently convicted, fined AED2 million (Sh81 million), and ordered to pay nine percent annual interest. Unable to raise the funds, he remains imprisoned.
Maleh argued that Kariuki’s trial was plagued by inconsistencies, inadequate legal representation, and disregard for evidence proving he was incarcerated during the second fraud. The Ugandan national co-accused was acquitted despite allegedly receiving over AED755,000.
“This case highlights not only identity theft but also the challenges of navigating a foreign justice system,” Maleh said, adding that an appeal is still pending.
Kariuki, who previously worked for Trans guard Group LLC in Dubai for seven years with no criminal record, continues to fight for his freedom.
The case has drawn attention from Kenyan lawmakers, with Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba demanding government action.
Kiambu MP John Machua urged Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to intervene, calling the prolonged detention a grave injustice.
“This is a Kenyan citizen languishing in a foreign jail under questionable circumstances. The government must act decisively,” Machua said.
Responding in Parliament, Mudavadi confirmed that the matter has been raised with UAE authorities through diplomatic channels and assured lawmakers that the government is pursuing the case at the highest level, urging patience as discussions continue.
For Kariuki’s parents, each passing day without resolution deepens their pain.
“All we want is justice for our son. We will not stop pleading until he is free,” Wambui said.
, continues to plead for justice as he marks five years in custody over fraud allegations. Kariuki, who maintains his innocence, was convicted in a case his family says involved imposters using his stolen identity.){kind=link}