Detectives from the Serious Crime Unit have detained Richard Kirui Bongei, a Principal Engineer at the Ministry of Housing, over allegations of forging an official government letter intended to unlawfully extend the tenure of a senior aviation official.
Bongei was apprehended in Athi River following an investigation triggered by a forgery complaint filed by the State Department of Transport.
The investigation revealed that the document, dated May 6, 2024, was labeled “Renewal of Local Agreement Terms” and appeared to be signed by a senior government official. It sought to grant Capt. Martyne Luther Lunani, the Director of Aircraft Accident Investigation at the Ministry of Roads and Transport, a three-year extension in his position.
The State Department of Transport discovered inconsistencies in the letter and immediately referred it to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for forensic scrutiny.
“Document forensic examination experts established that the letter was indeed a forged document and confiscated it as evidence,” the DCI stated.
Further forensic investigation linked the fraudulent document directly to Bongei, prompting his arrest. He has been processed and is expected to be arraigned today.
“Forensic trails subsequently linked the document to Richard Bongei, leading to his arrest,” investigators confirmed.
Authorities stressed that the case highlights the importance of forensic work in identifying and tackling forgery within government operations. Meanwhile, Capt. Martyne Luther Lunani remains at large and is being sought in connection with the case.
Officials warned that forging government documents is a grave offense that threatens public trust and institutional credibility.
The Serious Crime Unit reaffirmed its determination to ensure that public officials are held accountable and that any efforts to manipulate official records are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
Investigators also underscored that the case sends a strong message against attempting to use fraudulent paperwork to bypass legal procedures or secure undue advantages within government institutions.
