Suspect Arraigned Over Alleged Fake KDF Recruitment Scheme
According to police, Muimi was arrested while dressed in full Kenya Air Force uniform, complete with a name tag, and was reportedly distributing calling letters purportedly from the Ministry of Defence
A man accused of running a fraudulent Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment operation has been arraigned in court following his arrest on Monday.
Joshua Mutui Muimi was presented before the court after allegedly impersonating a KDF officer and issuing fake calling letters to unsuspecting Kenyans
The prosecution has requested that he be detained for seven days to allow investigators to conclude their inquiries
According to police, Muimi was arrested while dressed in full Kenya Air Force uniform, complete with a name tag, and was reportedly distributing calling letters purportedly from the Ministry of Defence
The letters directed recruits to report for a fake training exercise in Eldoret on November 17
A police search recovered several items believed to be linked to the scheme, including Ministry of Defence–branded documents, six admission letters, seven calling letters, fingerprint forms, and KCSE certificates belonging to alleged victims
The documents were found in a vehicle connected to the suspect
Investigators now plan to submit the recovered documents and uniform to the Ministry of Defence for authentication. They also intend to trace and record statements from individuals who were reportedly contacted to collect the letters
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The court was informed that Muimi had been staying in a serviced apartment and that his permanent residence is unknown, leading police to argue he is a flight risk
In his defence, Muimi claimed it was his first arrest and asked to be released on cash bail. He told the court he previously served in the military until 2018 and said the uniform found in his possession was his original service kit
He further insisted that the documents seized were blank and that he had not received any money from the public
The court is expected to rule on the prosecution’s request for his continued detention
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
