A woman accused of scamming job seekers out of Sh3 million by pretending to offer National Police Service jobs appeared in court on Tuesday in Mwea East, Kirinyaga County. She was released on Sh500,000 cash bail with a similar amount as surety.
The suspect, identified as Mercy Prudence Mbaika Mutie, is facing multiple charges after investigations by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). She allegedly lured victims with false promises of police recruitment, prompting them to hand over large sums of money.
The case began when three complainants reported the matter to Wang’uru Police Station, claiming that the suspect had approached them with offers of employment in the police service. Acting on her assurances, they gave her substantial amounts of money, hoping to secure positions.
In a statement, the DCI said, “Detectives in Mwea East have arraigned a suspect linked to a fraudulent scheme that defrauded members of the public of Sh3,000,000 under the guise of securing employment in the National Police Service.”
Authorities allege that Mutie misrepresented her influence and falsely claimed she could facilitate recruitment. Once she received the money, she reportedly went into hiding and stopped communicating with the victims.
The DCI explained, “Upon receiving the funds, the suspect allegedly went into hiding and severed communication, prompting the victims to report the matter after efforts to recover their money failed.”
Detectives launched a probe to trace Mutie and collect evidence of the alleged fraud. Their efforts ultimately led to her arrest in Mwea East. “Following investigations by detectives from DCI Mwea East, the suspect was traced and arrested,” the agency confirmed.
Mutie has been charged with conspiracy to defraud contrary to Section 317 of the Penal Code and three counts of obtaining money by false pretences contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code. After appearing in Wang’uru Law Courts, she was granted bail under specified conditions. The DCI stated, “She was later released on a Sh500,000 cash bail with a surety of the same amount.”
This case underscores the continuing threat of scams targeting unemployed Kenyans, especially those seeking positions in government institutions. The DCI warned the public against engaging with people claiming to influence recruitment, stressing that all police service recruitment is transparent, merit-based, and free of charge.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations cautions the public against engaging individuals purporting to influence recruitment into government institutions,” the agency said. It further reminded Kenyans that recruitment into the police service is “transparent, merit-based, and strictly free of charge.”
Detectives encouraged citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and share information through the DCI’s toll-free hotline or WhatsApp platform. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to ensure accountability and prevent similar fraud.
The incident serves as a stern warning to job seekers to verify recruitment processes and avoid falling victim to schemes promising employment for payment.
