Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi has expressed concern over the rising issue of imposters posing as members of the Commission. While speaking in Diani, Kwale, Ngumbi highlighted the challenge of increasing numbers of fraudsters deceiving unsuspecting public officials and innocent business operators.
These individuals pretend to be EACC officials or representatives from other law enforcement agencies conducting legitimate investigations. Ngumbi reported that this problem has spread to Kitui, Makueni, and Machakos counties, with 24 cases of impersonation recorded in the region over the past three months.
In the Lower Eastern Region, the imposters often claim to be from the EACC’s Lower Eastern Regional Office in Machakos or the Nairobi Headquarters. They primarily target county officials, school principals, and National Government Administration Officers, demanding money in exchange for halting their supposed investigations.
For school principals, the imposters typically allege issues related to illegal fee charges, procurement, and financial management. In counties, they focus on officials involved in revenue collection, while targeting National Government Administration Officers with claims of corruption in administration.
Ngumbi urged Kenyans to report any suspicious individuals to the EACC and to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. He noted with surprise the willingness of many Kenyans to bribe their way out of perceived trouble.
He emphasized that even when victims have the means to verify the authenticity of individuals claiming to be EACC officers, some rush to settle with the imposters, leading to significant extortion. This behavior suggests that some targets may be involved in corruption or other illegal activities.
This concern arises in the wake of five imposters being arrested in Kitui County for “arresting” a senior county official and conducting a search at her residence on July 19, 2024.
They were armed with a fake search warrant purportedly issued by the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court.
The court is expected to rule on whether the accused, currently in custody, will be released on bail.
They are charged with impersonating EACC investigators, conspiracy to commit a felony, abducting with intent to confine, forgery, uttering a false document, attempts to extort by threats and being in possession of suspected stolen property.
