Conman Arrested For Swindling Kenyans In Ksh2.5M Police Recruitment Scam

A suspected fraudster accused of orchestrating a major police recruitment scam has been arrested in Kilimani, Nairobi, after reportedly obtaining Ksh2.5 million from unsuspecting job seekers.

According to a statement from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Benedict Odeng’ero Wekesa posed as a well-connected facilitator and allegedly assured applicants of guaranteed admission into the National Police Service (NPS).

He is said to have issued forged recruitment letters to victims, convincing them to pay substantial amounts in exchange for supposed secured slots. Three complainants later filed reports, revealing the extent of the deception.

Detectives traced and arrested Wekesa at the Sagret Hotel in Kilimani, where they also recovered 20 additional fake recruitment letters, indicating what investigators believe to be a wider, coordinated fraud scheme.

His accomplice managed to escape during the operation and is currently being sought by authorities.

Wekesa is in custody, undergoing processing ahead of his arraignment. The DCI has urged members of the public to remain vigilant, noting that genuine police recruitment is free, transparent, and does not involve payments or intermediaries.

The nationwide police recruitment wrapped up smoothly on Monday, November 17 with Inspector General Douglas Kanja announcing that the exercise had been successful across all 427 centres.

Kanja reported that the drive to enlist 10,000 qualified youths for police constable training proceeded without major setbacks, calling it a well-coordinated effort nationwide. He confirmed that all recruitment venues remained active throughout the day.

"I am here to review the ongoing recruitment exercise. The exercise has commenced today in all the 427 recruitment centres across the country," Kanja said during one of his inspection tours.

The IG noted that he had visited several regions to assess the operation personally and found that teams on the ground had upheld order and fairness. He added that turnout was strong and that the service was confident of reaching its target.

"I am from Narok. They have done well. I am in Machakos now, and the exercise has been smooth since morning. I am looking forward to having the numbers that we are targeting by the close of the exercise at around 5.00 pm," he added.

Kanja underscored the importance of this recruitment, pointing out that no intake had been conducted in the last three years.

He stated that the 10,000 new officers would bolster the service as it prepares for upcoming national priorities, including the 2027 general election.

Police IG Douglas Kanja addressing the press in Machakos county on November 17, 2025. /THE STAR