Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested four suspects accused of defrauding a man of Ksh 251,000 while masquerading as officials from the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The suspects — Peter Muriithi, Catherine Kinyua, Lilian Njeri, and Samuel Mbuthia — were apprehended following a complaint lodged by a victim who believed he was enrolling for legitimate SHA membership.
According to investigators, the suspects convinced the victim to surrender his mobile phone under the pretext of “completing the registration process.” Moments later, the phone went off, and the victim was unable to access his mobile money account.
Alarmed, he rushed to his Sacco only to discover that Ksh 251,000 had been siphoned from his account and transferred to mobile numbers linked to the suspects.
“In a swift move, law enforcement officers from Marimanti launched an operation that led to the arrest of the four suspects,” said the DCI in an official statement.
During a search, police recovered several SHA-branded materials, including T-shirts, name tags, membership cards, and leaflets, as well as multiple SIM cards.
Authorities also impounded a Toyota Prado (registration number KDP 267C) believed to have been used in the fraudulent activities. Investigators further discovered an extra number plate (KDS 399C) inside the vehicle, raising suspicions of broader criminal operations.
The suspects are currently being detained at Marimanti Police Station pending arraignment in court.
“Investigations are ongoing to identify possible accomplices and other victims who may have fallen prey to the gang’s deceitful tactics,” the DCI added.
The arrest highlights growing concerns about fraudsters exploiting the ongoing SHA registration exercise to target unsuspecting Kenyans. Authorities have urged the public to verify the identity of all officials before providing personal details or payments.