This archive report was first published on 7 August 2020.
On July 23, a desperate job seeker, Evans Onyango Ogutu, fell victim to a crafty thief at Uhuru Park in Nairobi. The suspect, Samuel Mwaniki Murigi, allegedly stole Ogutu's phone and national ID card, promising to hire him to help with deliveries to the Kenya Defence Forces.
According to the police, Murigi presented himself as a police officer attached to Central Police Station in Nairobi, claiming he needed an extra hand to meet supplies for a phantom contract with the Defence Forces. Ogutu, who had been searching for a job in the Nairobi CBD, was convinced by Murigi's story and agreed to accompany him to Imenti House to process a pass into military facilities.
However, upon arrival, Murigi allegedly took Ogutu's phone and ID card, claiming he needed to proceed with the 'process.' He then disappeared, leaving Ogutu with no option but to report the matter to Parliament police station.
On July 4, Ogutu spotted Murigi at the same location and informed the police. Two undercover officers arrested Murigi and allegedly found pictures of himself in different police uniforms.
On August 7, Murigi was charged with theft and impersonation before chief magistrate Joyce Gandani of Kibera law courts. He was freed on a Sh200,000 bond and an alternative cash bail of Sh30,000. The case will be mentioned on August 19.
