Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kilimani have arrested a man alleged to be the mastermind of a sophisticated police recruitment scam that defrauded desperate job seekers of Ksh.2.5 million.
The suspect, Benedict Odeng’ero Wekesa, was apprehended after three complainants reported that he had promised them “guaranteed” slots in the National Police Service (NPS) — at a hefty cost.
According to investigators, each victim received a forged recruitment letter and was assured that their placement into the police service was confirmed. It was only when no follow-up communication came that they realized they had been duped.
“By the time reality finally kicked in, a total of Ksh.2.5 million had changed hands, and the dreams of joining the service had vanished,”
— DCI statement
Ambush at Sagret Hotel
Following the reports, detectives laid a trap and arrested Wekesa at the Sagret Hotel in Kilimani. During the sting operation, officers recovered 20 additional fake recruitment letters, pointing to a potentially wider recruitment fraud network.
A second suspect believed to be Wekesa’s accomplice escaped moments before the arrest and is currently being pursued.
Suspect to Be Arraigned
Wekesa is in police custody as investigators prepare charges and work to track down additional victims and co-conspirators.
The DCI is urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious recruitment activities, emphasizing that NPS recruitment is free and not conducted through private intermediaries
