A pastor from Kiambu County has been arrested for allegedly posing as a senior anti-terrorism officer to swindle an Ethiopian refugee out of Ksh. 3 million under the pretense of facilitating Kenyan citizenship.
Rev. Richard Macharia Njuguna, affiliated with the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) in Juja Farm, Thika South Diocese, was apprehended by detectives from the Nairobi Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) at Overstone Hotel along the Eastern Bypass in Ruiru.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Njuguna falsely claimed to be a high-ranking officer attached to the Directorate of Immigration Services. Between December 20, 2024, and February 12, 2025, he allegedly defrauded the unnamed refugee of Ksh. 3,030,500 by promising expedited processing of Kenyan citizenship.
The arrest followed a formal complaint lodged at Capitol Hill Police Station in Nairobi, after which the case was handed over to ATPU for further investigation due to the suspect’s alleged links to a sensitive government agency.
A search conducted at Njuguna’s residence in Kahawa West and in his vehicle yielded multiple forged documents and wooden stamps. The confiscated items included fake credentials and papers bearing names of key government institutions such as the Chief Magistrate’s Office in Nairobi, the Kenya Immigration Department at JKIA, and the Ministry of Lands, among others. Investigators believe these materials were used to support his impersonation and lend credibility to his fraudulent claims.
“The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue. His vehicle and the seized items are being held as exhibits,” the DCI confirmed.
Authorities are urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report similar incidents involving impersonation of law enforcement or government officials.
Written By Rodney Mbua
