Whoever said that a book should not be Judged by it’s cover might have had one Joseph Waswa in his mind.
Many are the times that we have seen some members of the society swim in money. Many are the times we have wished we were like them or even better than them. It should however be noted that not everything that glitters is Gold as seen in the case of Joseph Waswa, a man accused of conning Kenyans their hard-earned money with the latest allegation to hit his doorstep being that of immitating President Uhuru and in the process making away with 10 million Shillings belonging to businessman Merali.
Back at his hometown, Waswa runs charity initiatives, owns a fleet of four choppers and enjoys the high life.
Because of his many magnanimous programmes to help the needy and support community projects, and his inspiring lifestyle, there seemed no reason to question this billionaire status. Kenya is full of them.
Projecting the ideal that so many aspire to, Waswa was untouchable. He took villagers by storm as he tested his choppers and luxury cars.
Said to be eyeing the Bungoma Senate seat in 2022, Waswa was the darling of many due to his charity donations, the Lendrix Foundation and handouts.
Waswa has donated millions of shillings to construct schools across Bungoma county.
Little do villagers know that their benefactor also runs, or ran, an elaborate scam that conned many Kenyans of their hard-earned cash.
Industrialist Merali, whom he suckered in by mimicking President Kenyatta, is just one of many innocent Kenyans who have suffered.
But on Monday, Waswa — and co-accused Duncan Muchai, Isaac Wajekeche, William Simiyu, David Luganya, Gilbert Kirunja and Anthony Wafula — were humbled when they were cornered and arraigned in court.
They had colluded with government officials and had lured Merali with a promise of giving him lucrative and restricted tenders mainly involving supply of goods.