Inside the Nairobi Agribusiness Scam That Cost an American Investor Millions

The High Court has rejected a Nairobi businessman’s request to stop his arrest and prosecution over alleged involvement in a large-scale fraud linked to an American investor.

In its ruling, the court held that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) are acting within the law and should be allowed to continue with investigations and any resulting charges. Justice of the High Court dismissed an application by Collins Juma Oloo, who had sought temporary orders to block the agencies from investigating or charging him.

The judge found that the court could not interfere with ongoing investigations at this stage. He noted that Mr Oloo remains free to present himself to investigators or to seek anticipatory bail before a criminal court if he fears arrest.

The case arises from a complaint filed by Charles Blake, a Texas-based investor and director of Nutra-Acres LLC. Mr Blake alleges he was defrauded in a proposed loan arrangement valued at Sh500 million for agricultural projects in Africa.

According to investigators, Mr Blake was introduced in mid-2024 to a Kenyan company that claimed it could secure the financing. He was allegedly told that he needed to obtain a life insurance policy through Toureg Insurance Agency as a condition for the loan.

Police say that between June 2024 and January 2025, Mr Blake transferred Sh98.7 million to bank accounts linked to suspects and their companies. The money was reportedly withdrawn or transferred soon after, while the promised loan was never provided.

Following the complaint, investigators obtained search warrants from the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court. The warrants authorised the seizure of electronic devices, financial records and other materials for forensic examination.

Mr Oloo, who is currently in Dubai, maintains that he has been wrongly linked to the case. He told the court that investigators had mistakenly identified him as a director of Toureg Insurance Agency, a position he says he has never held. In his filings, he described the allegations as based on incorrect facts and said they threaten his freedom and reputation.

He also informed the court that other suspects have already been charged at Kahawa courts with offences including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences and money laundering. He said he believes authorities have declared a manhunt against him and alerted immigration officials in Dubai to stop him if he attempts to travel to Kenya.

While the High Court certified his application for judicial review as urgent and granted him permission to pursue it, the judge declined to suspend the actions of the DCI and the ODPP while the case is pending.