DCI Dismantles Insider Cartel Behind Illegal Kenyan IDs, Passports and Birth Certificates

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested 26 individuals accused of participating in the illegal and unprocedural issuance of key government documents, including National Identity Cards, Passports, Birth Certificates, and Alien ID Cards.

In a statement, DCI reported on Sunday, December 7, that the two-day operation targeted a network involving civil servants attached to the National Registration Bureau and the Directorate of Immigration, as well as chiefs, businessmen, financiers, and freelance intermediaries who allegedly facilitated expedited processing of documents through corrupt practices.

Preliminary findings indicated that the suspects colluded to circumvent established procedures, exploiting their official positions or networks to unlawfully register and issue sensitive documents.

Investigators warn that the scheme posed significant threats to national security, including enabling the undocumented movement of individuals into and out of the country.

"This criminal enterprise severely compromises the integrity of government systems and exposes the country to grave security risks, including the undocumented entry and exit of individuals," DCI cautioned.

Detectives recovered a large cache of government materials from several suspects’ residences. The items included completed and blank National ID application forms, fingerprint-taking equipment, Birth and Death Certificates, Passports, official government stamps and other registration tools that are legally restricted to authorised government offices.

Those arrested include: Judy Kemunto Ondari (Registrar of Persons, Embakasi); Moses Mugoya Margaret (Clerk, Registrar of Persons Head Office); Ruth Osebe Sukuru (Registrar of Persons, Kamukunji); Jawahir Mohamed Muse (Assistant Chief, Eastleigh North); Moulid Yusuf Dige (Businessman); Mohamed Issack Gedow (Assistant Chief, Eastleigh); Abdirizak Osman Rage (Middleman); Alfred Opia Ayaway (Middleman); Abdirizak Abdi (Electronics Technician); Abdirashid Mohamed Ali (Clerk, Shima Group International) and Festus Bahati Chai (Fingerprint Technician, Registrar of Persons Head Office).

Others included Abdirizack Bashir Farah (Middleman); Samatar Osman Robne (Businessman); Fuadh Bulle Mohamed (Businessman); Geoffrey Mokoro Mutanya (Clerk, Immigration Head Office); Joseph Mwendwa Munyithia (Registrar of Persons, Kariokor); AbdiKadir Mohamed Dahir (Businessman); Berrick Kororia Maghas Sukuru (Registrar of Persons, Kamukunji) and David Korir (Clerk, Registrar of Persons Head Office).

Also arrested were Titus Mwanga Nthenge (Senior Subordinate Staff, Registrar of Persons Head Office); Yahya Daud Manor; Issack Abdow Mohammed; Nelson Katana Kazungu; Daniel Munywoki Kavuwa; Abdullahi Abdi Khamisi; and Abdirahman Roba Guyo.

All suspects remain in custody and are undergoing multi-agency processing ahead of their expected arraignment.

"This operation underscores the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies to safeguard the integrity of government systems and hold accountable all those who exploit them for personal gain," added DCI.