The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested a man impersonating former Nairobi County governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko.
On Thursday, January 11, DCI revealed that the 29-year-old suspect was arrested for impersonation and obtaining cash from unsuspecting victims.
Detectives further stated that the suspect, Newton Paul Kengere was seized within Riokindo area in Kisii County.
“29-year-old suspect who has been personating the former Governor of Nairobi Hon. Mike Mbuvi Sonko and obtained thousands of shillings from unsuspecting members of the public in an educational loan bluff has been arrested by detectives,” read part of the statement.
According to the sleuths, during the arrest, the handset which Kengere was using to send enticing messages to vulnerable targets was recovered.
The suspect was also caught in possession of several Sim cards which he could have been using to swap in his impersonation acts.
DCI noted that a complaint was lodged by the former Nairobi governor at the Capitol Hill Police Station.
Sonko files case
“Hon Sonko reported several Facebook accounts that were being operated by the suspect.”
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The suspect, according to police report, purported to be working with Sonko’s Rescue Team, a charitable organization.
In addition, Kengere would purport to be coordinating an initiative to help needy parents with school fees challenges.
“The suspect went ahead to author messages that required interested persons to register with Sh1,000 for the advance loans which he said, would not accumulate any interests, “added the statement.
For the unsuspecting victims to secure the loan, they had to also send their ID numbers, full names, location and state the purpose.
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However, after receiving the registration fees, Kengere would shift briskly from being a persistent caller to ignoring calls from the victims.
The arrest was made by the Nairobi Crime Research & Intelligence Unit of the DCI which traced him to his village.
Furthermore, the detectives divulged that the suspect is being detained for processing before his arraignment on January 19.
