Detectives in Kilimani have arrested a man accused of impersonating a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) brigadier to defraud job seekers with bogus recruitment offers.
Joshua Mutui Muimi allegedly targeted unemployed youth, selling fake admission letters to the Recruit Training School (RTS) in Eldoret.
The arrest followed a tip-off that led Parklands detectives to Mutui’s rented apartment.
Officers found him dressed in Kenya Air Force uniform, suggesting a deliberate attempt to mimic a senior military officer.
During a detailed search, investigators recovered several documents bearing the Ministry of Defence logo, including six counterfeit admission letters carrying identical serial numbers.
Seven fingerprint forms and a Yilmaz Defence Industry ammunition manual were also seized, indicating a well-organized scheme. Other materials that could facilitate further deception were confiscated.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody and will undergo formal processing before arraignment.
Authorities emphasized that real KDF recruitment is free, transparent, and conducted strictly through official channels.
Fake military recruitment has been a recurring concern in Kenya, particularly in urban centres where young people seeking employment are vulnerable to exploitation.
Previous cases have seen impostors demand payments from job seekers, sometimes using counterfeit government documents to lend credibility to their schemes.
“This case highlights the importance of verifying any recruitment notices directly with official KDF or Ministry of Defence sources,” the DCI advised. Public vigilance is critical, as scammers often exploit the high demand for security sector jobs.
Kenya’s security recruitment process has historically been structured, with advertisements issued through official channels including the Ministry of Defence website and Kenya Defence Forces social media platforms.
Job seekers are warned against intermediaries or offers that require payment, which are not part of the legitimate enlistment procedure.
The Kilimani arrest serves as a cautionary tale for citizens, particularly young job seekers, and reflects broader efforts by law enforcement to combat fraud targeting vulnerable populations.
The DCI has encouraged anyone approached with suspicious recruitment offers to report them immediately to prevent further exploitation.