34 Job Seekers Nabbed in Fake KDF Recruitment Sting
Thirty-four individuals were arrested on November 27, 2025, after reporting to a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Recruit Training School with counterfeit recruitment letters, falling victim to a scam promising military jobs.
The suspects presented themselves at the army facility, only to be detained by authorities upon verification of the fraudulent documents.
This incident underscores ongoing fraud targeting desperate youth seeking enlistment in the armed forces.
Confirming the incident, Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi noted that the youth currently being held at Baharani Police Station in Turbo Sub-County were arrested last evening while being transported in three PSV vehicles.
Mwanthi said investigations have so far commenced to reveal the culprits behind the con game, noting that individuals took advantage of rumours being peddled that some recruits were turned back from RTS due to medical issues.
Scam Mechanics and Arrest Details
The arrested persons arrived equipped with fake calling letters and related paperwork, believed to have been obtained from impostors posing as senior military officers.
Investigations link this to recent cases, including the arrest of Joshua Mutui Muimi in Kilimani, who impersonated a KDF brigadier and was found with forged Ministry of Defence documents, uniforms, and admission letters during a raid on his apartment.
DCI emphasized that genuine KDF recruitment remains free, transparent, and announced officially without payments.
Broader Context of KDF Recruitment Fraud
KDF scams have surged, with fraudsters exploiting high youth unemployment by charging exorbitant fees for nonexistent slots at training schools like Eldoret’s RTS.
Past incidents include 50 arrests in 2021 for similar fake letters and recent charges against a “fake brigadier” for defrauding parents millions.
Authorities recovered incriminating items like counterfeit fingerprint forms and ammunition manuals, urging public vigilance via hotlines.
Warnings and Preventive Measures
DCI advises against shortcuts, stressing official channels for recruitment and reporting suspicions to police or toll-free lines (0800 722 203).
The Directorate continues probes into scam networks, promising prosecution to deter impersonators and protect job seekers from financial ruin.