Four posing as KDF bosses arrested for soliciting bribes from youth in Chuka

The four men who were arrested for allegedly soliciting bribes from potential KDF recruits in Chuka, Tharaka-Nithi. Police Commander Johnston Ipara said the recruits handed the suspects over to the detectives after they became suspicious of them. PHOTO | KEVIN NGAI | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• Chuka DCIO Ngugi Kariuki said some of the fraudsters’ victims had been identified and are expected to record statements.
• Police Commander Johnston Ipara said the recruits handed the suspects over to the detectives after they became suspicious of the four men.
• In Meru, there was confusion over divisional boundaries that affected about 30 candidates’ chances to join the army.
• The recruits were turned away at Timau Stadium after it emerged their divisions were not in Buuri Constituency.

By KEVIN NGAI
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By DARLINGTON MANYARA
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Police in Chuka, Tharaka-Nithi County, are holding four suspects arrested while soliciting bribes from youth seeking to join the army.

The suspects, who were posing as Kenya Defence Forces bosses, were arrested by detectives as they scrutinised potential recruits’ documents near the Chuka University.

Police Commander Johnston Ipara said the recruits handed the suspects over to the detectives after they became suspicious of the four men.

“Mr Kariuki claimed he was a KDF major, Mr Cheruiyot purported to be a pilot of fighter jets based in Moi Eastleigh Airbase, Mr Kariuki posed as their driver and a military officer while Mr Gitonga, who is a resident of Chuka Town, took them around identifying potential youth to join the forces,” he said.

The suspects, however, denied the allegations.

Chuka Criminal Investigations Officer Ngugi Kariuki said some of the fraudsters’ victims had been identified and are expected to record statements.

In Meru, there was confusion over divisional boundaries that affected about 30 candidates’ chances to join the army.

The recruits were turned away at Timau Stadium after it emerged their divisions were not in Buuri Constituency.

“This is the second time to be turned away in such an exercise. Last year, those from Kibirichia Division were still not recognised. We were turned away at the Gatimbi ground in Meru Central constituency,” said Ms Irene Gatwiri.

Senior recruiting officer Colonel Mathews Lenamunai told Nation.co.ke they were acting on directives issued from the defence headquarters.

Most of the recruits’ identity cards still indicate Meru Central District even after new boundaries were created forming the new Buuri District.