Man who sought Ksh.204M Sanlam insurance ‘faked’ arson, court told

A businessman accused of conspiracy to defraud Sanlam General Insurance of Ksh. 204million was on Tuesday arraigned in court.

Joseph Anthony Maina Kiama was accused that on diverse dates between March 21 and August 27 last year, he pretended that machinery and assorted items belonged to Afroplast Industries Limited in Thika were destroyed by fire.

The magistrate was told that he knew the claim was false but still conspired with others with intent to defraud Sanlam General Insurance Company Limited of Ksh. 204million as fire insurance claim.

In a second count, the suspect was accused of attempt to obtain by false pretences the said amount contrary to Section 389 as read with Section 313 of the Penal Code.

Appearing before Magistrate Martha Muthuku at the Milimani Law Courts, Kiama pleaded not guilty, praying for lenient bail or bond terms from the court.

He was released on a cash bail of Ksh. 200,000 or an alternative bond of Ksh. 500,000.

The case will be heard on August 8.