NAIROBI, Kenya – A Chinese national wanted in Uganda over 31 criminal charges will remain in custody after a Nairobi court rejected his second attempt to secure release on bail pending extradition proceedings.
Chen Guang, also known as Alex, is wanted by Ugandan authorities to face 30 counts of forgery and one count of theft arising from an alleged financial fraud at Diamond Steel Uganda Limited.
The Chief Magistrate’s Court at Milimani declined to grant his renewed bail application after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) argued that the circumstances behind the earlier denial had not changed.
The latest decision places fresh emphasis on the prosecution’s concerns about Chen’s ability to remain within Kenya’s jurisdiction if released before the extradition case is determined.
Why prosecutors opposed his release
In opposing bail, the prosecution argued that Chen’s short-term tenancy agreement did not establish sufficiently strong residential ties to Kenya to assure the court that he would remain available for the proceedings.
Prosecutors further cited his lack of ordinary residence in the country and extensive international travel, arguing that the combination presented a substantial risk of him absconding.
The DPP also challenged proposed bail safeguards, including surrendering his passport, reporting periodically to a police station and providing sureties.
The prosecution maintained that these conditions would not adequately address the identified flight risk while Kenya considers Uganda’s request for his surrender.
Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Duncan Ondimu, OGW, and Prosecution Counsel Fatma Shaban led the prosecution in opposing the application.
They urged the court to ensure the extradition proceedings are concluded expeditiously while Chen remains in custody.
The alleged Sh151 million fraud in Uganda
Chen’s extradition case stems from allegations that he manipulated financial documents while working as a cashier at Diamond Steel Uganda Limited.
Ugandan authorities allege that the offences involved the manipulation of weighbridge bills and payment vouchers, resulting in losses estimated at 4.53 billion Ugandan shillings, equivalent to approximately Sh151 million.
He is wanted to answer to 30 forgery charges and one theft charge before a court in Uganda.
Chen was arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on August 11, 2026, after arriving from Harare, Zimbabwe, according to earlier reporting on the extradition case.
The extradition proceedings were initiated after Uganda formally requested Kenya’s assistance in securing his surrender to face the charges.
What happens next?
The latest ruling means Chen will remain in custody as the extradition proceedings continue.
The matter is scheduled to return to the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Milimani on November 4, 2026, at 3 pm for further directions.
