Detectives in Kitui Central have arrested four suspects accused of defrauding a businessman of Sh105,000 in a fake Kenya Prisons Service tender.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the four were posing as senior prison officers and promising the victim a supply contract for vegetables at Kitui GK Prisons.
According to investigators, the suspects allegedly contacted the businessman with what appeared to be an official offer to deliver produce to the facility.
The victim reportedly made payments believing the documents and communication were legitimate, only realizing the tender was fictitious after the money had already been sent.
The DCI said officers had been monitoring the group for several weeks before intercepting them on Thursday.
The four — identified as Clement Wachira, Andrew Kimani, Ann Waweru, and Rehema Makandi — were arrested inside a black Toyota Harrier with registration number KCV 543W.
A search of the vehicle recovered 37 counterfeit Kenya Prisons Service tender approval forms and two fake Kenya Prisons Service job identification cards.
Detectives also confiscated eight mobile phones and six national ID cards registered under different individuals, which investigators say were used to facilitate the alleged scheme.
Police believe the operation may have been active for some time and are investigating whether additional victims across the country may have been targeted.
Cases of fraudulent tenders have been reported previously in several counties, often involving forged documents and impersonation of government officials.
The suspects are being held in custody as detectives prepare to present them in court.
The DCI said the public should remain vigilant and verify all tender invitations through official government channels to avoid falling prey to similar schemes.
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