Ex-KDF serviceman arrested over Ksh.450k recruitment bribe

An ex-Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) serviceman has been arrested on allegation of defrauding the mother of  three recruits who turned up for army recruitment on February 10.

According to the Kirinyaga Central Sub-county investigating officer Samuel Agutu, the suspect- Robert Murichu- obtained Ksh.450,000 from Susan Wanjiku who hoped her three children would be recruited

Wanjiku, after sensing the deal was too good to be true, reported the matter to the police, paving way for investigations. 

She told detectives that she had paid half the amount and was to hand the rest of the amount when the enrollment went through.

Detectives appraised of the matter laid a trap, ensnaring  Mr. Murichu  who was running the con scheme.

During his arrest, the suspect was in possession of three letters addressed to: Winnie Wandia, Martin Kaihura and Douglas Ngari- the three would-be recruits.

The three letters have since been dismissed by KDF as forgeries.

Also recovered from him were several stamps and mobile phones which investigators believe he used to run con-game.

During the probe, detectives also discovered that the service man was axed from the army several years ago with his letter of dismissal reading that his services were no longer needed at the time. 

He will be arraigned at the Kerugoya Law courts on Monday to answer to charges of forgery and obtaining money by false pretense. 

Last week, the Department of Defense concluded the KDF recruitment exercise warning those involved in malpractices during the exercise that they would face the law.

Currently, 12 suspects are under probe for a slew of malpractices witnessed during the recruitment process.

The vice chief of defense forces Levi Mgalu said the twelve include civilians and military officers.

He said appropriate charges will preferred on them upon the conclusion of a thorough investigation.

The DoD also defended notion that the exercise discriminated ladies saying that over the years, there has been a gradual intake of women with 2021’s recruitment seeing a 12% increase.

This year, 150 general service cadets,150 undergraduates, 3550 general duty and 150 defense constables were recruited.

The DoD further vowed that the verification of documents will be conducted during reporting at various training institutions to curb cheating.

Additional reporting by Johnson Muriithi