Written by Vanessa Kariuki ||
The public is being warned by detectives to be aware of con artists using fake social media profiles to pose as Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and other senior government officials.
Kenyans have paid the thieves who have set up several Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram profiles thousands of shillings on the false pretence that the owners of the accounts will help them get jobs, financial assistance, or other favours.
“In one such instance, a man identified as Calvince Otieno Odhiambo, who has been impersonating the Cabinet Secretary for ICT Hon Eliud Owalo, is believed to have obtained thousands of shillings from unsuspecting members of the public, through a Facebook account bearing the names and image of the ICT C.S,” said DCI.
“Odhiambo who has been promising business opportunities, employment and empowerment programs to hapless Kenyans was arrested in Rongo by detectives and five mobile phones believed to be used in the scheme recovered,” DCI added.
Detectives are looking for further suspects who opened bank accounts in the names of well-known Kenyans and high-ranking government officials and are utilizing those accounts to steal money from the public without their knowledge.
Kenyans are warned not to transfer money to anyone in order to buy favours and are urged to be aware of such social media profiles.
