Executive Summary: The Sh521M KQ Fraud Case
- Case Type: Sh521.9 million fraud trial involving Kenya Airways and the collapsed Dubai Bank.
- Primary Accused: Hassan Ahmed Zubeidi, Elijah Itegi Githinji, and Jackson Kiruti Njiiri.
- Key Rulings: In 2023, the High Court ordered the criminal trial to proceed. In July 2025, the court upheld Githinji’s dismissal from KQ for gross misconduct.
- Status: Active trial at Milimani Law Courts. All charges against Jane Wanjiru Kiboi were withdrawn in early 2023.
The ongoing Dubai Bank fraud case involving a massive Sh521.9 million theft from Kenya Airways continues to captivate the public, with former bank chairman Hassan Ahmed Zubeidi and ex-managers Elijah Itegi Githinji and Jackson Kiruti Njiiri at the center of the long-running legal battle. What began as a complex syndicate involving fraudulent cash transactions and forged bank guarantees has evolved into a decade-long pursuit of justice in Nairobi’s Milimani Law Courts.
The Core of the Sh521.9 Million Scandal
According to court records, the suspects allegedly conspired to defraud the national carrier between 2013 and 2015. The prosecution’s case centres on the claim that funds were syphoned through Dubai Bank Kenya using:
Fake Bank Guarantees: Purported letters of credit for fuel supplies that turned out to be non-existent.
Forged Documents: Forged Citibank account advice reports used to hide the movement of millions.
Money Laundering: A series of structured transactions designed to move KQ property beyond the reach of auditors.
Latest Legal Developments (2022–2026)
If you are catching up on this case, several key rulings have changed the landscape:
Charges Withdrawn: In 2023, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) officially withdrew charges against one of the original suspects, Jane Wanjiru Kiboi.
High Court Rejection (July 2023): Jackson Kiruti Njiiri petitioned the High Court to stop the trial, citing constitutional delays. However, the court dismissed the petition, ruling that the trial must proceed, as the delays were not solely the fault of the prosecution and the matter remains of high public interest.
Employment Ruling (2025): In a major civil twist, Elijah Itegi Githinji lost his case against Kenya Airways for unfair dismissal. In July 2025, the Employment and Labour Relations Court ruled his termination for gross misconduct was substantively fair, noting he failed to participate in internal disciplinary hearings.
Related Reading: Hassan Ahmed Zubeidi charged in Sh521M Kenya Airways theft case
What’s Next for Kenya Airways?
The criminal trial remains active. As Kenya Airways continues its financial recovery, the outcome of this case against Hassan Ahmed Zubeidi and the remaining ex-managers will set a major precedent for corporate accountability in Kenya.
| Name | Role in Case | Current Legal Status |
| Hassan Ahmed Zubeidi | Former Dubai Bank Chairman | Active Suspect. Facing charges of conspiracy, theft, and money laundering. |
| Elijah Itegi Githinji | Former KQ Manager | Active Suspect. Criminal trial ongoing. (2025 civil suit for unfair dismissal was dismissed). |
| Jackson Kiruti Njiiri | Former KQ Manager | Active Suspect. The 2023 petition to stop the trial was dismissed; the trial remains active. |
| Jane Wanjiru Kiboi | Former KQ Employee | Cleared. All charges were officially withdrawn by the DPP in early 2023. |
| Grace Wamuyu Mathenge | Former KQ Employee | Active Suspect. Facing charges of conspiracy and theft. |
| Dubai Bank Kenya | Financial Institution | In Liquidation. Under management of the KDIC. |
Disclaimer: This report is based on public court proceedings at the Milimani Law Courts. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes based on available judicial records as of February 2026.
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