A Kenyan pastor has been arrested for allegedly masquerading as an anti-terror officer and defrauding an Ethiopian refugee of more than Ksh3 million in a fake citizenship deal.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Rev. Richard Macharia Njuguna is a clergyman with the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) in Juja Farm, Kiambu County,
He was apprehended by detectives from the Nairobi-based Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) at the Overstone Hotel in Ruiru along the Eastern Bypass.
As per the statement released on June 11, Njuguna posed as an ATPU officer attached to the Directorate of Immigration Services and convinced the refugee that he could facilitate the acquisition of Kenyan citizenship.
Also Read: Albert Ojwang’s Father M-PESA Hits Limit Within 3 Hours
Pastor Conning Refugees
Between December 20, 2024, and February 12, 2025, the suspect allegedly extracted Ksh3,030,500 from the victim.
The fraud came to light after the refugee filed a complaint at the Capitol Hill Police Station in Nairobi.
The case was later handed over to ATPU investigators, who launched a detailed probe.
A subsequent search of Njuguna’s residence in Kahawa West and his vehicle yielded a trove of suspicious documents and official-looking wooden stamps.
These included materials allegedly linked to various institutions such as the Chief Magistrate’s office in Nairobi, the Kenya Immigration Department at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the Ministry of Lands, among others.
DCI officers confirmed that Njuguna remains in custody and is undergoing processing ahead of a court appearance.
The recovered documents and the suspect’s vehicle are being held as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Also Read: DCI Allocated Ksh150 Million for Social Media Spy System
Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals purporting to offer government services outside official channels.
About Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU)
The Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) is a specialized law enforcement division established to prevent, detect, and respond to terrorist threats and activities.
Operating under the broader national police or security framework such as within the Kenyan National Police Service, the ATPU focuses on gathering intelligence, conducting surveillance, and executing counter-terrorism operations.
The unit often operates in high-risk areas and is equipped with advanced training and tools to effectively neutralize threats and protect civilians.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
