Detectives in Kilimani have arrested a man believed to be the mastermind of a well-coordinated fake police recruitment racket that swindled unsuspecting job seekers out of Sh2.5 million.
The suspect, identified as Benedict Odeng’ero Wekesa, was apprehended on Wednesday at Sagret Hotel in Kilimani after three victims filed complaints detailing how they were duped with promises of guaranteed entry into the National Police Service.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Wekesa allegedly used forged police recruitment letters to convince his victims that their slots in the service were already secured—if only they could pay. Each victim surrendered hefty sums, believing the “recruitment officer” was authentic and well-connected.
By the time the scam unravelled, a total of Sh2.5 million had exchanged hands.
Detectives, acting on intelligence, traced the suspect to his hideout, where he was arrested in a swift operation. During the raid, officers recovered 20 additional fake police recruitment letters, signalling what investigators believe is a broader, highly organised fraud network targeting desperate job seekers nationwide.
Wekesa’s accomplice, who was reportedly with him moments before the arrest, fled upon sensing danger and is currently being pursued.
The DCI has since warned the public to be wary of fraudsters posing as police recruiters, emphasising that genuine recruitment into the National Police Service is free, fair, and transparent, with no payments required at any stage.
“Anyone asking for money in exchange for a police job is a criminal,” the agency said.
Members of the public have been urged to report such cases immediately to the nearest police station or anonymously through the #FichuaKwaDCI platform. Reports can be made via toll-free hotline 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
Wekesa is currently in custody, undergoing processing, and will be arraigned once investigations are complete, as detectives follow new leads to track down his elusive accomplice.
