By John Mutiso
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has arrested four individuals suspected of impersonating environmental inspectors and extorting money from residents in Athi River, Machakos County.
According to a statement released on Monday, November 24, the NEMA Machakos County office, working jointly with the NEMA Police Unit, apprehended the four suspects on Thursday following intelligence reports from members of the public whom the impostors had terrorized.
The suspects allegedly masqueraded as NEMA environmental inspectors, conducting fake enforcement operations while demanding money from unsuspecting residents in the Athi River area.
Following the arrest, authorities established that the suspects typically operate as part of a larger network of eight individuals.
The case is currently under investigation, and the four arrested suspects are being processed for arraignment before a Magistrate at Mavoko law courts.
NEMA has advised members of the public to verify the authenticity of environmental inspectors by scanning the QR code printed on official NEMA Inspector cards, which will display the genuine details of authorized personnel.
