The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Thursday, arrested four suspects posing as Social Health Authority (SHA) officials who duped a victim of Sh251,000 in a sophisticated scam.
The suspects, Peter Muriithi, Catherine Kinyua, Lilian Njeri, and Samuel Mbuthia were nabbed in Marimanti, Tharaka Nithi County, after fleecing their victim under the guise of SHA membership registration.
In a statement on Thursday, “A daring quartet of con artists masquerading as officials from the Social Health Authority (SHA) has been apprehended after swindling a victim of Sh251,000,” the DCI said.
The victim reportedly believed he was signing up for a legitimate SHA membership when the suspects convinced him to surrender his mobile phone.
They claimed the device was needed to complete the registration process.
Moments later, the victim’s phone went off, and when he tried to restore service, it was too late.
The DCI detailed how the man rushed to his Sacco only to discover that his entire account balance had been wiped clean, with Sh251,000 transferred to mobile numbers linked to the impostors.
“His world turned upside down when his phone suddenly went off. Attempts to restore service were futile,” the DCI revealed. “He later learned that his account had been wiped clean.”
Following a swift complaint, detectives from Marimanti Police Station in Tharaka Nithi County launched an operation that led to the arrest of the four suspects.
The police also uncovered incriminating evidence connecting them to the fraud.
“A meticulous search unearthed a trove of incriminating items, including SHA-branded T-shirts, name tags, membership cards, informational leaflets, and multiple SIM cards,” the DCI said.
Detectives also impounded a Toyota Prado (registration KDP 267C) believed to have been used in the fraudulent operations.
During the operation, another number plate, KDS 399C, was also recovered, raising further suspicion about the extent of their criminal activities.
“Also recovered is a number plate KDS 399C, raising further suspicion about their activities,” the DCI added.
The suspects are currently detained at Marimanti Police Station as investigations continue. The DCI confirmed they will face charges once the investigations are complete.
“The four suspects are cooling their heels in Marimanti Police Station, undergoing processing pending arraignment,” the statement read.
The agency further assured the public that investigations are ongoing to identify other possible accomplices and victims who may have fallen prey to the gang’s deceitful tactics.
“Investigations are ongoing to unearth possible accomplices and other victims who may have fallen prey to the gang’s deceitful tactics,” DCI said.
The case has once again brought to light the growing sophistication of identity fraud and impersonation scams in Kenya, where conmen exploit public trust in government programs such as SHA.
The DCI urged citizens to verify all registration processes through official SHA channels and report any suspicious activities immediately.
The Social Health Authority (SHA), which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), is still in its implementation phase, making it a ripe target for fraudsters posing as registration officers.
As the suspects await arraignment, the DCI emphasized its commitment to pursuing those who prey on Kenyans’ trust in public institutions.
“The DCI remains vigilant in protecting Kenyans from conmen and impersonators who exploit public service initiatives for personal gain,” the agency affirmed.
