Detectives are warning members of the public to be wary of fraudsters operating pseudo-social media accounts impersonating Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and other senior government officials.
The crooks who have opened multiple Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts have obtained thousands of shillings from unsuspecting Kenyans, who are duped into believing that the owners of the accounts will assist them in securing financial assistance, and jobs, among other favors.
In one such instance, a man identified as Calvince Otieno Odhiambo, who has been impersonating the Cabinet Secretary for ICT Eliud Owalo, is believed to have obtained thousands of shillings from unsuspecting members of the public, through a Facebook account bearing the names and image of the ICT C.S.
Odhiambo who has been promising business opportunities, employment and empowerment programs to hapless Kenyans was arrested in Rongo by detectives and five mobile phones believed to be used in the scheme were recovered.
Detectives are pursuing other suspects who have opened accounts in the names of prominent Kenyans and senior government officials and are using the accounts to obtain money from unsuspecting public members.
Kenyans are advised to be wary of such social media accounts and are cautioned not to send money to anyone in order to influence favors.
Last month another suspect was arrested and found guilty of impersonating Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and using the account to dupe many.
