Police have issued a fresh warning to Nairobi residents after a fake coupon scam resurfaced in the city centre, with officers saying one suspect has already been arrested and the alleged gang leader remains under watch.
The alert was issued on Wednesday, November 21, 2018, after the National Police Service said Peter Gitau Kibe had been arrested following a tip-off from the public. Police described him as an associate of John Ng’ethe Mwaura, whom they identified as the mastermind of the con game.
According to the police, the group was spotted along Moi Avenue targeting unsuspecting Kenyans. Officers said the suspects had returned to the CBD after disappearing for a period following Mwaura’s earlier arrest this year.
Mwaura was charged with assaulting a police officer and maliciously damaging his property. Police also said he presents himself as an overseer of the Christ Love International Ministry.
Authorities said the gang had previously used a vehicle with registration number KBY 546M, but they now believe they are operating with a different car, a station wagon bearing registration KBL 247X.
The scam, police said, works by luring victims to buy coupons from a car parked by the roadside and promising prizes that do not exist. The money is collected through the sale of the coupons, while no winner is ever produced.
Police said the racket operates early in the day at the intersection of Tom Mboya Street and Ronald Ngala Street, and urged the public to stay alert and report any sightings of the group.
“We caution all to remain vigilant and inform us in case they see the group,” the police said.
