Detectives drawn from Trans Nzoia Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested four individuals suspected to be involved in fraud activities.
The four who have been on DCI radar for over three months were arrested on Thursday in Kakamega County.
Police believe the suspects have conned at least four innocent members of the public in Trans Nzoia County and a livestock farmer in the neighbouring Uasin Gishu County.
Confirming the incident, Kwanza Sub County DCIO Goerge Otieng’ said the four namely Timothy Shiundu 36, Paul Karanja 62, Enoch Zakayo Mzee, 62 and Bonface Macheni, 63 will be arraigned and charged in Kitale law courts on Friday.
Tricks of the suspects
Shiundu, one of the suspects is accused of being a police commissioner imposter while Karanja is a livestock dealer.
Moreover, Zakayo is a retired veterinary officer and Macheni is a retired teacher.
“The four will be charged with conspiracy to defraud contrary to section 317 of the Penal Code,” Otieng’ told Uasin Gishu News in a phone interview.
Shiundu is also said to have won the confidence and trust of the unsuspecting locals after impersonating a commissioner of police conning three women Ksh1.5 million.
Margaret Were, the spouse of Kapomboi ward Member of County Assembly Kefa Were is one of the suspects victims.
She said Shiundu promised to help them secure employment opportunities for children in the National Police Service (NPS) as well as in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
“We were easily convinced when he told us he is a Commissioner of Police. Personally, I lost Ksh583,000. Another friend of mine lost Ksh580,000 also and another one lost Ksh250,000,” Margaret said.
Fake bankers’ cheque
Mustafa Sugoi, a livestock farmer in Cherangany constituency, told the press that he lost four cows and 2 calves costing KSh420,000 to the fraudsters.
“Led by Timothy Shiundu from Kakamega, they gave us a fake bankers cheque. They were to sell the cows to the Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) at a good price. I am yet to receive my Ksh420,000,” Sugoi said.
Further, Charles Tuwei a farmer from Ziwa in Uasin Gishu County said he expected his money only to be shocked that he was duped.
“They came with a lorry, loaded the cattle and gave us a cheque. When we went to deposit the cheque, it bounced and that is when we learnt we had been defrauded. We ask the government to help us get our money,” Tuwei recalled.
Kefa Were, Kapomboi ward MCA called on members of the public to be vigilant so that they do not fall victim to fraudsters tricks.
He also challenged on the criminal justice system to take stern action against the suspects.
“It is sad that people are conning unsuspecting Kenyans. The courts and other criminal justice systems should deal with such people to serve as an exemplary lesson to others,” the MCA said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Kennedy Serem, a resident of the North Region who called for repossession of the suspects’ properties acquired through fraud.
“Once found guilty, the court should award the culprits severe punishment to deter a repeat of the same offence,” Serem said.
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