Nairobi, Kenya – In Kenya’s ever-evolving political arena, a troubling trend continues to gain momentum: individuals such as Joseph Lendrix Waswa, Emmanuel Charles Osore, and Nicholas Otieno Ndolo, who have been implicated in high-profile fraud and corruption scandals, are not retreating from the public eye. Instead, these controversial figures are boldly positioning themselves for parliamentary seats in the 2027 elections. Their ambitions raise serious concerns about integrity, accountability, and the standards set for leadership in Kenya. With their past appearances in court still fresh in public memory, many are now questioning whether, in Kenya, a scandal is becoming a stepping stone to political power rather than a barrier.
This phenomenon, observers note, challenges the spirit of Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity, designed to ensure ethical conduct from public servants. Yet, as past court dockets reflect serious allegations, the political ambitions of some prominent businessmen remain undeterred.
Here are three such individuals whose past legal battles stand in stark contrast to their reported aspirations for a seat in Parliament in 2027:
1. Joseph Lendrix Waswa: The Tycoon and the Persistent Gold Scam Allegations
Joseph Lendrix Waswa, often referred to as a flamboyant businessman from Bungoma, was at the centre of a colossal fake gold scam and was facing a murder trial related to the death of Mitch Kibiti Barasa. Allegations against him involved defrauding foreign nationals of hundreds of millions, if not billions, of shillings in a sophisticated scheme involving nonexistent gold, which led to his widely publicised court appearances. Despite the gravity of these legal entanglements, Waswa remained a figure with strong political ambitions, reportedly eyeing an MP bid in the 2027 elections. His continued political visibility, despite facing such grave allegations in court, encapsulated the very paradox that many Kenyans lamented.
2. Emmanuel Charles Osore: The Politician and the KES 62 Million Tender Fraud
Emmanuel Charles Osore, a known politician, has faced serious charges related to defrauding an Israeli national of KES 62 million. The alleged fraud involved a fake ministry tender, highlighting concerns over procurement processes and the misuse of public trust. Osore’s involvement in a case where he was charged with obtaining money by pretence and conspiracy to defraud has been a matter of public record. Nevertheless, Osore is reportedly keen on securing a parliamentary seat in 2027. His pursuit of legislative power, having faced such accusations in court, is a stark reminder of the integrity challenges within the political class.
3. Nicholas Otieno Ndolo: The Sh132 Million Gold Fraud and Undeterred Ambition
Nicholas Otieno Ndolo is another businessman who has been implicated in a major KES 132 million gold fraud case. He, along with a co-accused, faced accusations of swindling an American citizen in a high-stakes fake gold deal, leading to his presence in court. Despite having this significant fraud case attached to his name from past proceedings, Ndolo reportedly strategises for an MP seat in 2027. His open political ambition, despite a prominent fraud trial in his past, underscores the bold and often controversial path some individuals take in Kenyan politics.
These cases are not isolated incidents but reflect a broader pattern that leaves many Kenyans questioning the true meaning of leadership and integrity. While the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” is a cornerstone of justice, the consistent emergence of individuals with serious court cases in their past on the ballot paper forces a critical examination of Kenya’s vetting processes and, more profoundly, the choices made by its electorate. The question remains: will Kenyans demand integrity as a prerequisite for leadership, or will the allure of political power continue to overshadow the shadow of scandal as the 2027 elections approach?
