John Thiong'o, Kariuki's father displays his photo accompanied by his mother Esther Wambui at their home in Kangoya village, KiambuFor five years, the family of James Kariuki, a Kenyan detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has lived in hope that he will return home.
Kariuki travelled to the UAE in May 2020 after losing his job as a security guard in Kenya. While seeking work, he met an individual who later took his identification documents, which were reportedly used in fraudulent activities.
On August 13, 2020, Kariuki, from Kangoya village in Kiambu County, was arrested alongside a Ugandan national and accused of electronic fraud involving AED1.18 million (Sh41.6 million).
Court documents indicate the alleged scheme involved a fake email resembling that of one company, which led another firm to transfer funds to fraudulent accounts.
Despite asserting that his documents had been misused, Kariuki was convicted on September 15, 2020, and sentenced to one year in prison followed by deportation.
His mother, Esther Wambui, described the family’s frustration, questioning why their accounts and assets were not examined to verify his claims.
“How could he have committed fraud while in detention?” she asked.
In 2021, another fraud case involving AED2 million (Sh70 million) was reported, again linking Kariuki to the alleged scheme while he was serving his sentence.
He was convicted, fined AED2 million (Sh81 million), and ordered to pay nine per cent annual interest.
He remains in detention as he cannot make the payment.
Kariuki continues to assert his innocence.
His lawyer, Jumaa Maleh of Maleh Advocates & Legal Consultants, said it would have been impossible for Kariuki to commit the second alleged crime while incarcerated, citing inconsistencies in the trial, challenges with legal representation, and evidence showing he was in prison at the time.
The co-accused was acquitted.
“This case highlights the challenges of identity theft and navigating a foreign justice system,” Maleh said, noting that an appeal is pending.
Kariuki’s father, John Thiong’o, described the family’s anguish and helplessness.
“My family has no way of raising Sh81 million. Even selling everything or holding a harambee would not be enough,” he said.
The case drew attention from local lawmakers in April. Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba raised the matter in the National Assembly, while Kiambu Town MP John Machua urged Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to explain what steps the ministry is taking, calling the situation a serious concern for a Kenyan citizen abroad.
Responding in the House, Mudavadi confirmed the government had engaged UAE authorities through diplomatic channels.
He assured lawmakers that efforts were ongoing and called for patience, while urging MPs to allocate funds to assist Kenyans facing legal challenges abroad.
The family said the wait continues to be painful, and they remain committed to seeking his release.
James Kariuki who is in incarceration in UAE after being convicted of fraud
