A Nairobi court has heard fresh details in a Sh51 million visa fraud case against businessman Brian Reeves Obare, with a key witness outlining how a travel company allegedly lost millions in a failed overseas placement scheme.
Obare is charged at the Milimani Magistrates Court with obtaining Sh51,244,650 by false pretences, contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code.
During proceedings before trial, Magistrate P. Mutai, Bonventure Aradi, a director at Golden Key Travel Consultants Limited, told the court that the company engaged the accused in good faith, believing he had the capacity to facilitate Canadian visas.
“Employees of Golden Key were sending money to Brian on behalf of the company,” Aradi testified.
He said the firm collected funds from clients seeking travel opportunities and remitted the money to the accused through official channels, convinced he had links to the Canadian Embassy.
According to Aradi, the company also handed over clients’ passports and supporting documents to Obare, expecting successful processing of visas. However, none of the applications materialised.
“We relied entirely on his representations,” he told the court.
The witness said the fallout was significant, with several clients reportedly denied boarding, arrested, or turned back during transit after their documents were found to be invalid.
Aradi further revealed that Golden Key has since refunded more than Sh34 million to affected clients, while others were facilitated to alternative destinations in Europe at additional cost.
In parallel proceedings, the High Court intervened in a dispute over exhibits seized during Obare’s arrest, faulting a lower court’s decision to release them before trial.
“I find that it is/was premature to release the items at the Pre-Trial stage,” the judge ruled.
The court held that the orders were irregular and directed that key items, including mobile phones, laptops and a motor vehicle, remain in police custody pending the hearing and determination of the case.
“I find that the court erroneously found that the listed items were not exhibits,” the judge added.
The High Court also declined to release a Land Rover Discovery, noting that its ownership and possible link to the alleged offence must be determined during trial.
Investigators are currently conducting forensic analysis on the seized electronic devices, which are expected to form part of the prosecution’s evidence.
The case has also seen a change of magistrate after Lucas Onyina recused himself, citing an attempt by the defence to improperly influence the proceedings.
The prosecution maintains that Obare misrepresented his ability to process visas, leading to substantial financial losses.
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