This archive report was first published on 21 June 2020.
On June 21, 2020, the National Police Service announced the reinstatement of John M'Mbijiwe, a former Rift Valley Provincial Police Officer who was interdicted over a high-profile fake cop saga.
M'Mbijiwe was appointed to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) with effect from October 1, 2014, after being acquitted of abuse of office and impersonation charges by a Nakuru Court on May 8, 2020.
He was charged alongside Joshua Waiganjo, who was accused of falsely presenting himself as an assistant commissioner of police. Waiganjo was said to have flown in police helicopters, led operations, inspected guards of honour in full uniform, and even arrested suspected offenders during the masquerade.
However, the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against the three suspects, including former Anti-Stock Theft Commander Remi Ngugi. Nakuru Resident Magistrate Joe Omido ruled that there was no basis for conviction if the accused persons were to offer no defence.
"If the accused persons were to be placed on their defence on any of the charges that they are faced with, there will be no basis upon which any of them can be convicted on any of these charges if they were to offer nothing in defence," ruled Omido.
