Portland Cement MD appointee appears in court over fraud charges
The alleged offenses reportedly took place on multiple occasions throughout 2024.
Bruno Oguda Obodha, a businessman recently appointed as the Managing Director of East Africa Portland Cement Company (EAPCC), appeared before the Mavoko Law Courts on Monday, April 15, 2025.
He is facing six criminal charges, among them allegations of forgery and fraud.
Obodha was arraigned before Senior Principal Magistrate Derick Kuto, where he faced accusations related to the alleged falsification of official documents with the intent to deceive.
The alleged offenses reportedly took place on multiple occasions throughout 2024.
His court appearance comes after he was arrested and held over the weekend at Athi River Police Station, following the issuance of a warrant due to his failure to attend a previous court session.
The prosecution alleges that Obodha falsified a membership certificate for Blue Make International Security Company Ltd., claiming it was an authentic document issued by the Protective Security Industry Association.
Obodha is further accused of tampering with documents for fraudulent purposes, an offense under Section 375B of the Penal Code. Among the charges is the alleged forgery of certificate No. 1360 on November 11, 2024, during his tenure at EAPCC.
He also faces separate charges under Section 375A of the Penal Code for allegedly creating a document without proper authority—specifically, fabricating license No. 2007534 intended for establishing a radio communication station for Blue Make International Security Company Ltd.
Although the defense requested leniency, the magistrate underscored the seriousness of the allegations. Obodha was granted release on a bond of Ksh.5 million with a matching surety, or alternatively, a cash bail of Ksh.2 million, along with the requirement of a credible contact person.
The case is set to proceed to trial on April 29, 2025, when further directions will be issued.
Obodha’s appointment as Managing Director of EAPCC by President William Ruto on December 20, 2024, has sparked controversy, with the company’s board raising objections.
In a letter dated December 22, the board formally expressed concerns to the Cabinet Secretary for Industry, Trade, and Investment, questioning Obodha’s integrity and pointing to potential conflicts of interest.
In a letter signed by Board Chairman Brig. (Rtd) Richard Mbithi, the EAPCC board referenced Circular Ref No. OP/CAB.9/1A dated April 20, 2022, issued by the Head of Public Service.
The circular raised red flags over Obodha’s business engagements with the company and alleged his involvement in fraudulent activities.
In its court submissions, East Africa Portland Cement Company PLC contended that President Ruto did not have the legal mandate to appoint or ratify appointments on behalf of its Board of Directors, as he is not a member of the board.
This position was outlined in response to a case filed by lawyer Apollo Mboya, who has taken legal action against Board Chairman Brig. (Rtd.) Richard Mbithi.
The company also asserted that the Presidential press release issued on December 20, 2024, incorrectly listed Bruno Oguda Obodha as the Managing Director.