Ezekiel Kipkemboi Sirma, 34, detained at the Central Police station in Eldoret following his arrest as he allegedly attempted to con his latest victim, a military officer.
A man who masqueraded as a General Service Unit (GSU) officer with State House connections is in police custody on claims of extorting bribes for recruitment to disciplined forces.
Ezekiel Kipkemboi Sirma, 34, is detained at the Central Police station in Eldoret following his arrest as he allegedly attempted to con his latest victim, a military officer.
He was seized following complaints that he had been extorting money from job seekers, pretending he could help them secure slots in the forthcoming Kenya Prisons Service recruitment.
Nation.Africa has learnt that the suspect was arrested while attempting to con the military officer out of Sh400,000, promising to help him secure a job for his orphaned relative in the Kenya Prisons Service.
The father of three was arrested by the victim with the help of members of the public and escorted to Central police station, where he is detained pending investigations.
Bogus connections
He allegedly lied to the military officer that he had links to State House and that he was in a position to ensure his relative secured employment with the Kenya Prisons Service on condition he paid Sh400,000.
The soldier said he had been referred to the suspect by a friend who is a police officer.
“A well-known friend of mine referred me to the suspect for assistance to secure a job for my orphaned relative in Kenya Prisons Service,” said the soldier, who declined to be named.
He said his friend assured him that the deal was genuine.
The soldier said he, however, became suspicious after the suspect declined to show him his identity card and attempted to flee when he realised he was dealing with a soldier.
“When I showed him my card, he panicked and tried to jump on a motorcycle. But I told the rider not to take him anywhere since he was a thief. He told him to get off his motorcycle,” he said.
Questioned
Upon his arrest, the suspect initially claimed that he was a GSU officer attached to President Ruto's mother, Sarah Cheruiyot.
However, on further interrogation, he changed the narrative, alleging he invoked the first family’s name for selfish reasons.
“Though I had said that I am GSU officer attached to Mama Ruto's security, the truth is I am just a local hustler using different means to earn a living,” said the suspect who claimed to be a resident of Turbo sub-county in Uasin Gishu County.
Front view of Eldoret Central Police Station on June 20, 2023.
Turbo sub-County officer in charge of Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Richard Okeri confirmed the arrest of the suspect. He said the suspect was helping them with investigations into the alleged recruitment scam.
“We are holding the suspect in connection to an allegation of obtaining money while posing as a police officer, among other allegations of extorting money from innocent members of the public. We shall arraign him in court,” said Mr Okeri.
The victim and the suspect had recorded statements at the police station.
Mr Okeri asked members of the public to be vigilant against people masquerading to be in a position to help them join the disciplined forces.
“Members of the public must stay vigilant in the wake of fraudsters posing as police officers asking for payment in exchange for non-existent jobs,” said Mr Okeri.
