Benson Sande Ndeta, a well-known industrialist and director at Savanna Cement Limited, has been charged with forgery and fraud involving Ksh 700 million. The allegations are tied to his efforts to acquire Bamburi Cement Company, with claims of misconduct surrounding his attempts to secure a USD 35 million loan from Absa Bank Kenya PLC. Ndeta, along with co-accused Charles Hills Jr., appeared before Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe, facing charges of obtaining credit through false pretenses. The prosecution accuses Ndeta of misrepresenting himself as a representative of Savanna Cement Limited in order to obtain the loan.
Ndeta denied the nine charges, which include forgery and fraud. His lawyer, Cecil Miller, dismissed the accusations, suggesting that the charges were part of a broader scheme by competitors to undermine Ndeta’s business ventures. Miller argued that the charges were surprising given Ndeta’s contributions to Kenya’s economy, including efforts to expand businesses and create employment opportunities.
The defense also contended that Ndeta was not a flight risk, citing his deep family connections and substantial investments in Kenya. Miller urged the court to grant his client a reasonable cash bail. Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe ruled that Ndeta should be remanded at Muthaiga Police Station until Monday, November 27, 2024, when the court will decide on his bail application.
The case brings to light the challenges faced by business leaders in Kenya’s competitive industrial sector, raising questions about the motives behind the charges and their potential implications for the country’s business climate. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome could have significant consequences for both Ndeta and the broader business community.
