Two men have been arrested in Narok after allegedly impersonating a senior government official and using the identity to con unsuspecting members of the public out of their hard-earned money.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said Geoffrey Kipngetich Ngeno and Kipkurui Peter Tonui were arrested in Narok Town while travelling in a black Toyota Prado.
Detectives moved in on the suspects following investigations into allegations that they had been using the identity of a senior government official to gain the trust of potential victims before soliciting money from them.
Several mobile phones were recovered from the suspects during the operation.
The devices have been secured as exhibits as detectives investigate how they were allegedly used in the suspected fraud.
“Detectives have apprehended two individuals accused of impersonating a senior government official and conning unsuspecting members of the public out of their hard-earned money,” the DCI said.
Investigators are now working to establish the number of people who may have fallen victim to the alleged scheme and the amount of money that could have been lost.
The suspects remain in police custody as detectives complete investigations ahead of their arraignment in court.
Rising Cases of Government Impersonation
The Narok arrests come against the backdrop of increasing cases involving individuals accused of posing as government officials to defraud members of the public.
In September, police arrested a woman in Buruburu, Nairobi, who was allegedly masquerading as a Nairobi City County official.
She was accused of obtaining Sh159,000 from a trader after allegedly promising to facilitate the renewal of a business licence and the sale of county auction goods.
In January, DCI detectives also arrested four suspects accused of using fake Social Health Authority (SHA) identification badges, branded clothing and a vehicle to allegedly swindle a victim of Sh251,000.
The suspects reportedly posed as officials offering assistance with official registration.
The latest case has once again highlighted the tactics allegedly used by fraudsters, including exploiting the authority associated with government offices to win victims’ confidence.
The DCI has urged members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with individuals claiming to represent government institutions and to verify their identities before making payments or sharing personal information.
Members of the public have also been encouraged to report suspected cases of impersonation, fraud and other criminal activity to law enforcement agencies.
