The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has disclosed that more than 300 fake detectives have been linked to the Commission in 2024. Speaking to the media in Diani, Kwale County, Commission Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi stated that these fraudsters, posing as EACC detectives, have conned unsuspecting Kenyans by pretending to conduct investigations against them.
Ngumbi identified four categories of EACC imposters, particularly noting reports from Kakamega, Bungoma, and Busia counties. He emphasized that these individuals have set up fake EACC offices and falsely claimed to be providing EACC services.
“For instance, in Busia, an entity by the name Anti-Corruption Investigations Agency has allegedly been receiving money from the public to address corruption-related conflicts and even puts a caveat on land,” he said.
Ngumbi also highlighted that some imposters issue fake EACC Integrity Clearance certificates to candidates seeking employment for a fee, even though this service is typically provided by the Commission free of charge.
Others claim to conduct investigations, arrests, and search operations, demanding large bribes in exchange for favoring their targets or dropping potential criminal charges.
Another group of alleged EACC detectives has been known to invade businesses, asserting that they are inspecting compliance with various licensing requirements or counterfeit goods.
Ngumbi noted that these imposters primarily target State Officers in the national government, county officials, school principals, and National Government Administration Officers. Private business operators have also been targeted, with many losing millions of shillings in the process.
Specifically, for school principals, imposters focus on allegations related to illegal fees, procurement, and financial management issues. In county governments, they target officials involved in revenue collection, while for National Government Administration Officers, the fraudsters concentrate on claims of alleged corruption.
Ngumbi urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of being conned.
