Man held in Kilimani over Sh2.5 million police recruitment scheme
Benedict Odeng’ero Wekesa was taken into custody after three victims reported to the police how they were lured with promises of “guaranteed” entry into the police service.
Detectives in Kilimani are holding a police imposter alleged to have conned unsuspecting candidates seeking favours during the recently concluded National Police Service (NPS) recruitment exercise.
According to the DCI, Benedict Odeng’ero Wekesa was taken into custody after three victims reported to the police how they were lured with promises of “guaranteed” entry into the police service.
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“Armed with forged recruitment letters, Wekesa convinced the victims to part with hefty sums of money, assuring them that their slots were secured in the service. By the time reality finally kicked in, a total of Sh2.5 million had changed hands, and the dreams of joining the service had vanished,” said the DCI.
The suspect was arrested at the Sagret Hotel in Kilimani when detectives stormed the premises.
The DCI said Wekesa was nabbed with 20 additional fake police recruitment letters, exposing what they described as a 'well-oiled' fraud operation.
A second suspect, reportedly his accomplice, is being sought. Detectives said he escaped the dragnet after sneaking out before the officers could arrest him.
“Wekesa is currently in custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment as detectives follow fresh leads to apprehend his accomplice, who managed to escape. The DCI urges members of the public to beware of fake police recruiters and reminds them that genuine enlistment into the National Police Service is free, fair, and transparent,” the DCI added.
Victims have been urged to report to the nearest police station or contact the DCI anonymously via their lines.
The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) on Friday said the general assessment of the one-day exercise that was conducted on Monday was largely transparent, professional and in line with the established requirements for prospective candidates, reflecting positively on the integrity of the recruitment exercise.
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