Man Charged With Defrauding Kenyans Sh2.5 Million in Fake Police Recruitment Scheme

A man has been charged in court for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting Kenyans more than Sh2.5 million while promising to secure them employment in the National Police Service (NPS).

James Chesimani Masengeli, also known as Timothy Khatete Barasa, is accused of collecting Sh2,588,000 from seven individuals after allegedly claiming he had the ability to facilitate their recruitment into the police service—claims the prosecution says were false.

According to the charge sheet, the offences were committed on diverse dates between 18th and 23rd November 2025 at an unknown location within Kenya. The court heard that the alleged scheme was executed with the intention to defraud jobseekers desperately seeking opportunities in the disciplined forces.

Masengeli appeared before Chief Magistrate Dolphina Alego, where he denied all charges.

The magistrate granted him a bond of Sh1 million or an alternative cash bail of Sh500,000 pending trial.

The matter will be mentioned on a later date for pre-trial directions.