By John Mutiso
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested Richard Kirui Bongei, a principal Engineer at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, in connection with the forging of a letter purportedly issued by the State Department of Transport.
In a statement on Wednesday, November 16, the DCI said the suspect was arrested in Athi River, Machakos County, by detectives from the Serious Crime Unit.
Bongei’s arrest follows investigations carried out by DCI after the State Department of Transport complained about a suspicious letter extending the term of Martyne Luther Lunani as the Director of Aircraft Accident Investigation at the Ministry of Roads and Transport.
“His arrest follows the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation into a complaint of forgery lodged by the State Department of Transport in relation to a “Renewal of Local Agreement Terms” letter dated May 6, 2024 and purportedly signed by a senior government official.
“The forged document, which sought to award Capt. Martyne Luther Lunani, a three-year extension as the Director of Aircraft Accident Investigation at the Ministry of Roads and Transport, was flagged by the State Department of Transport and forwarded to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for forensic analysis,’ read the DCI statement in part.
DCI’s forensic examination experts established that the letter was not authentic, prompting detectives to begin tracing its origin.
The forensic trails subsequently linked the fake document to Bongei, leading to his arrest.
The suspect was taken into custody and processed ahead of his arraignment in court.
Meanwhile, sleuths are pursuing Lunani, who is still at large to answer to the charges of forgery of an official document.
