Fraudster Maurice Opar’s Court No-Shows Test Judiciary’s Patience

Suspected fraudster Maurice Opar is once again at the centre of controversy after failing to appear for the hearing of a decade-old fraud case, in yet another episode that has raised questions about his influence and the slow pace of justice.

Opar, a Nairobi businessman accused of obtaining millions through fraudulent schemes, was missing in court on Wednesday when the case came up before Magistrate Robinson Ondieki.

His lawyer told the court that Opar had “caught a flight late” and was unable to attend. Magistrate Ondieki is the third judicial officer to handle the matter, which has dragged on for more than 10 years.

The previous magistrate retired before concluding it.

Court documents seen by our newsroom show that Opar has a history of skipping proceedings, including an instance where he allegedly evaded a warrant of arrest with help from police officers known to him.

On Wednesday, Opar’s lawyer asked the court to allow his client to join the hearing virtually, insisting the accused was ready to proceed and only needed the login link.

The prosecution dismissed the request, terming it an attempt to stall the case, and asked the court to compel Opar to appear in person on December 16.

Magistrate Ondieki agreed and directed the matter to proceed on that date, with Opar ordered to be physically present.

Opar has denied the charges and is out on bond. He has previously faced another fraud case at the Kibera Law Courts.

More details on the earlier matter will be shared in our subsequent reports.