A man accused of impersonating a Kenya Defence Forces officer has been arraigned in court as police seek seven days to complete investigations into what they describe as a fake military recruitment scheme.
Joshua Mutui Muimi was arrested yesterday while allegedly posing as a KDF officer and issuing calling letters purportedly from the Ministry of Defence, directing unsuspecting Kenyans to report for a supposed recruitment training in Eldoret on November 17.
When he was presented before court this morning, police revealed that Muimi was found dressed in full Kenya Air Force uniform complete with a name tag. A search of a motor vehicle linked to him allegedly yielded Ministry of Defence branded documents, six admission letters, seven calling letters, fingerprint forms, and KCSE certificates belonging to victims.
Investigators told the court they now intend to submit the uniform and all recovered documents to the Ministry of Defence for verification. They also want time to trace and record statements from individuals who were contacted to collect the alleged admission letters. According to police, Muimi had been staying in a serviced apartment and has no known permanent residence, raising concerns that he is a flight risk.
Muimi, however, denied any wrongdoing, telling the court this was his first arrest. He asked to be released on cash bail, insisting he is ready to cooperate with police. He claimed he previously served in the military and left in 2018, saying the uniform found on him was his original kit. He also maintained that the papers recovered from him were blank and that he had not received any money from the public.
The court will issue its ruling on whether he will be detained for the requested seven days as investigations continue.
