Savannah Clinker CEO Benson Ndeta faces 8 fraud charges, to spend weekend in police custody

Savannah Clinker Chairman Benson Ndeta will spend the weekend in police custody after he denied eight charges including conspiracy to defraud Ksh.4.5 billion from Absa Bank purporting to act on behalf of Savannah Cement Limited.

Ndeta who was arrested on Friday in Nairobi has also denied charges of obtaining credit by false pretenses, making a document without authority and uttering false documents.

Through his lawyer Cecil Miller, the businessman who has also expressed interest in acquiring Bamburi Cement has filed an application to be released on cash bail pending a hearing and determination of the case.

The application was opposed by the prosecution arguing that Ndeta is a flight risk and there is a possibility he could interfere with witnesses.

Senior Principal Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe is expected to make a ruling on whether the businessman will be released on cash bail on Monday.

Another suspect in the matter is Charles Hills Jnr, a United States citizen. The ODPP had directed the DCI to seek a warrant of arrest against the American before engaging US authorities to have him extradited to face charges in Kenya.