Alexander Mutuku Nzau Detained for Allegedly Defrauding Businessman Sh10.6 Million in Fake NIS Job Scam

Last Updated on October 30, 2025 by courtnews reporter

A Nairobi businessman’s dream of landing a lucrative government job has turned into a nightmare after he was allegedly conned Sh10.6 million by a man posing as an officer from the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina on Tuesday granted detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) permission to detain Alexander Mutuku Nzau for seven days pending further investigations into what authorities describe as an elaborate employment fraud scheme.

According to court documents, Mutuku allegedly obtained the money from businessman Yusuf Mohamed Omar, claiming that he had high-level connections within the NIS and could secure him a job with the National Police Service.

DCI Terms the Suspect a Flight Risk

The investigating officer, Corporal Lucas Juma from the DCI’s Serious Crime Unit, applied to detain the suspect, arguing that Mutuku was a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses or destroy key evidence if released.

“I pray the court to grant seven days custodial warrant for the respondent to be detained at Muthaiga Police Station to enable investigations be carried out before Mutuku is formally charged,” Cpl Juma told the court.

Chief Magistrate Onyina allowed the application, directing that Mutuku remain in custody at Muthaiga Police Station as detectives complete their probe.

Fake NIS Appointment Letters Recovered

Investigations began after the complainant, Omar, reported the matter to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on October 23, 2025.
He alleged that Mutuku, masquerading as an NIS officer, lured him into parting with the cash in exchange for a promised government job.

Following the report, EACC officers mounted a sting operation and arrested Mutuku at a Nairobi restaurant. He was then taken to Integrity Centre for interrogation before being handed over to DCI officers.

During the investigation, detectives recovered two forged NIS appointment letters with reference numbers NIS/SEC.DG/DA/2/8A/389 and NIS/SEC.DG/DA/2/8A/1347, allegedly signed by a “David Karanja,” purportedly a Director of Administration at NIS.

Police believe the documents were fabricated at a cybercafé in Nairobi’s CBD, where they were prepared and printed for use in the fraud.

Forgery, Fraud, and False Representation

According to the DCI, Mutuku’s alleged offenses include obtaining money by false pretenses and forgery of official documents, both of which carry heavy penalties under the Penal Code.

“One of the offences under investigation is forgery of official documents, which is serious in nature, as suspected forged NIS appointment letters were used to defraud a member of the public. The offence attracts a punishment of imprisonment for seven years,” said Cpl Juma.

Investigators are seeking more time to subject the documents to forensic analysis and verify their authenticity with the National Intelligence Service.

DCI Intensifies Crackdown on Job Scams

This case adds to a growing list of employment-related frauds targeting desperate job seekers in Kenya. Authorities warn that syndicates posing as high-ranking government officials or using forged documents have been conning unsuspecting citizens of millions of shillings.

The DCI has urged the public to verify job offers through official channels and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

Mutuku remains in custody pending further investigations, after which prosecutors are expected to file formal charges of fraud and forgery.