How a Kenyan Businessman Made Headlines for an Unusual 1997 Airport Transaction
In Ugunja town, Siaya County, Charles "Chacho" Omondi is today regarded as a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Yet his name once dominated Kenyan news for a bold 1997 incident involving $2 million (KSh 196M today) at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) - an event that remains one of Kenya's most fascinating financial stories.
The 1997 JKIA Incident: A Transaction That Shocked Kenya
On January 5, 1997, an extraordinary event unfolded at Kenya Airfreight Handling Limited:
Key details of what occurred:
- A routine currency transfer from Citibank's New York office to Nairobi
- Omondi presented himself as authorized to collect the $2 million shipment
- Security released the 11kg cash package based on his credentials
- The funds were later reported missing
This incident raised serious questions about financial security protocols in Kenya's banking sector.
The Aftermath: Investigations and Unexpected Turns
Authorities responded with:
- 🔹 Nationwide alerts for the specific banknotes' serial numbers
- 🔹 A reward offer eventually reaching Sh1 million
- 🔹 Interpol involvement in the international search
After more than a year, Omondi was located following a domestic incident in Nairobi's Buru Buru estate.
Rehabilitation and Community Impact
Following legal proceedings and a presidential pardon in 2002, Omondi has:
Establishing a successful sports equipment business
Funding education for underprivileged students
Installing electricity in local schools
Supporting youth sports programs
"His contributions to our community speak volumes," notes Michael Onyango, a Ugunja resident.
Persisting Questions About the 1997 Incident
Omondi maintains that his role was misunderstood, stating:
"I was acting on behalf of a bank official who provided proper authorization."
While courts ruled otherwise, community members emphasize:
- The incident occurred 27 years ago
- Omondi has since dedicated himself to public service