The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is pursuing a prison warden suspected to be a key player in the Sh133.8 million Teachers Service Commission (TSC) jobs scam.
The officer, reportedly an aide to a senior United Democratic Alliance (UDA) politician, went into hiding last week after learning that investigators were seeking to arrest him in connection with a multimillion-shilling fraud.
Investigators told a Bomet court that they are tracking the officer with a view to arresting and arraigning him to answer charges of fraudulently soliciting and receiving bribes from unsuspecting job seekers.
“One suspect, a prison warden, is being sought in connection with the fraud that has cost victims Sh133.8 million. Investigators are on his trail, and he will be arraigned in court once arrested,” a prosecutor told Bomet Senior Principal Magistrate Stephen Onjoro.
Richard Kiprotich Kirui, attached to Mugango Police Station in Bomet Central, appears in court on January 26, 2026, to answer charges of defrauding hundreds of unemployed teachers of Sh133.8 million by falsely claiming he could secure them jobs at the Teachers Service Commission.
Photo credit: Vitalis Kimutai | Nation Media Group
The cartel is alleged to have operated in Bomet, Kericho, Narok, Nakuru, Nyamira and Kisii counties, defrauding trained but unemployed teachers.
Meanwhile, a Bomet-based police officer was arrested and charged with defrauding teachers who parted with between Sh400,000 and Sh700,000 as facilitation fees for employment.
The arrest brings the number of suspects taken to court to five, with more expected to be arrested as investigations continue and victims come forward to record statements.
Desperate teachers were forced to part with as much as Sh700,000, more than many would earn in a full year, just to receive a forged letter of appointment.
Photo credit: File | Nation
Richard Kiprotich Kirui, a police officer attached to Mugango Police Station in Bomet Central Constituency, was arraigned before Senior Principal Magistrate Onjoro.
He was charged with allegedly defrauding job seekers between December 1, 2024 and December 30, 2025, while working with others not yet before the court.
Kirui, who was not represented, denied the charges and was granted a Sh2 million bond and two sureties of the same amount.
Four other suspects, David Kipkemoi Kemei, the Konoin Sub-County TSC Director, Rosebellah Chepkemoi Korir, and two teachers, Siele Leonard Towett and Mercy Cherotich, have also been arraigned.
Bomet Chief Magistrate Mbethi Michuki released them on a Sh1 million bond each and two sureties of similar amounts, following an application by advocates Kipkirui Kap Telw’a and Nelson Kenduiywa.
The total amount involved could be higher as many victims have not come forward to record statements due to fear, despite assurances from TSC and investigators that they will not be victimised in future recruitments.
It is reported 20 teachers in Konoin constituency, Bomet County paid between Sh300,000 and Sh500,000 for the fake jobs.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Investigators said the bribe money was received in cash, via mobile money (M-PESA) and through bank deposits, all of which are now under scrutiny.
The court has authorised DCI officers to seize electronic gadgets, mobile phones, access bank accounts and review any documents relevant to the investigation.
