A suspect linked to a police recruitment scam that cost hopeful candidates Sh2.5 million is now in custody after detectives in Kilimani launched a swift operation to stop what they describe as a well-planned con targeting job seekers.
The man, Benedict Odeng’ero Wekesa, was arrested after several complaints revealed how he allegedly tricked victims with promises of entry into the National Police Service at a fee.
According to reports filed with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, three individuals said Wekesa convinced them that he could “guarantee” their recruitment into the service.
They were each handed fake joining letters that appeared official and assured that their spots had already been secured.
The victims later realised they had fallen for a scam. “By the time reality finally kicked in, a total of Sh2.5 million had changed hands, and the dreams of joining the service had vanished,” the DCI said in a statement on Saturday.
Detectives then set up an operation to track him down, cornering him at the Sagret Hotel in Kilimani where he was arrested. Officers also seized 20 more forged recruitment letters during the raid, pointing to the possibility that many others may have been targeted.
Authorities say another man who is believed to have worked with Wekesa escaped moments before the team moved in, and efforts are underway to locate him.
Investigators are now following new leads to establish the full scope of the racket and identify anyone else involved.
Wekesa is being held as officers complete the necessary procedures before he is taken to court. The DCI has called on Kenyans to stay alert and avoid falling victim to individuals posing as police recruiters.
“The DCI urges members of the public to beware of fake police recruiters and reminds them that genuine enlistment into the National Police Service is free, fair, and transparent,” the State agency noted.
