Detectives in Kilimani have launched a broader investigation into a suspected recruitment fraud network after arresting a man accused of swindling job seekers out of Sh2.5 million.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported that the suspect, identified as Benedict Odeng’ero Wekesa, was arrested at Sagret Hotel on Thursday following complaints from three individuals who said they had been promised entry into the National Police Service.
According to the DCI statement, the complainants alleged that the suspect had issued forged recruitment letters and assured them of guaranteed placement in return for substantial payments.
The victims later discovered the documents were fraudulent and alerted officers, who set up an operation leading to the arrest.
The case comes at a time when fraudulent job schemes continue to rise in major urban centres, taking advantage of youth unemployment and the competitive nature of government recruitment.
During the operation, detectives recovered 20 forged recruitment letters believed to have been prepared for additional victims.
The discovery has prompted investigators to consider the possibility of a wider network, especially after a second suspect reportedly fled the scene moments before officers arrived. Police are analysing the documents and communication records to determine how far the scheme extended and whether more individuals may have been involved.
Kenya’s police recruitment process has historically faced scrutiny, with past reforms aimed at reducing corruption and ensuring merit-based selection.
Authorities emphasise that genuine enlistment into the National Police Service follows a transparent procedure supervised by the National Police Service Commission and does not require applicants to pay any fees.
The DCI reiterated this point in its advisory, urging the public to verify official recruitment announcements through government channels.
Wekesa remains in custody as detectives compile evidence for arraignment. Police are calling on anyone who may have interacted with the suspect or his accomplice to provide information that may assist the inquiry.
The investigation will also seek to establish whether the forged letters resemble documents used in previous scams that have surfaced in Nairobi and neighbouring counties.
The DCI has cautioned Kenyans to be wary of individuals claiming to influence government recruitment, noting that such promises often target youths seeking stable employment.