The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has raised concerns over rising cases of impersonation in the lower eastern region of Kenya.
Speaking in Diani, EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi revealed that 24 incidents have been reported in Kitui, Machakos, Makueni counties, and Nairobi headquarters over the past three months while warning that fraudsters are posing as EACC officials or other law enforcement agents to deceive and defraud public officials, business operators, and school principals.
These imposters often claim to be conducting legitimate investigations and demand bribes in exchange for halting the supposed investigation.
“The Commission is currently grappling with an increasing number of imposters who are defrauding unsuspecting public officials and innocent business operators, pretending to be EACC officials or other law enforcement agents on legitimate investigative missions,” said Ngumbi.
He detailed that school principals are often targeted with allegations of illegal fee charges, procurement, and financial mismanagement. County officials involved in revenue collection, and national government administration officers, are also at risk, with imposters claiming to investigate corruption within their offices.
The EACC is urging Kenyans to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals to the Commission. Ngumbi emphasized that many victims are quick to offer bribes, fearing potential repercussions, even in cases where they could easily verify the legitimacy of the investigators.
“These actions indicate that some of the individuals targeted by these imposters may be involved in corrupt activities or other forms of wrongdoing,” Ngumbi added.
These concerns are made following the arrest of Kamba Benga artist Kyalo Kasee of Kalandini Boys Band and 4 others in Kitui last month for impersonating Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers in an attempt to defraud one of the senior officers in the finance department.
