Police in Tharaka Nithi County have arrested four suspects accused of posing as officials from the Social Health Authority (SHA) and conning a man of Sh251,000 in a fake health registration scheme. The suspects allegedly used SHA-branded materials and fake IDs to convince the victim to hand over his mobile phone before draining his savings.
Highlights
- Four suspects arrested in Marimanti for impersonating SHA officials.
- Victim lost Sh251,000 after being duped in a fake SHA registration drive.
- Police recovered SHA-branded T-shirts, fake name tags, and multiple SIM cards.
- Toyota Prado and suspicious number plates seized in the operation.
- Suspects detained as police pursue more victims and possible accomplices.
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How the Scam Worked
The suspects Peter Muriithi, Catherine Kinyua, Lilian Njeri, and Samuel Mbuthia approached the victim pretending to be SHA agents conducting official registrations. To “finalize” his membership, they asked for his phone to complete the process. Moments later, his phone went off, and all attempts to restore service failed.
The Costly Discovery
Alarmed, the victim rushed to his Sacco only to find his account wiped clean. A total of Sh251,000 had been transferred to mobile numbers linked to the impostors.
Police Launch Swift Operation
Officers from Marimanti Police Station launched an operation that led to the arrest of the four suspects. During the search, police recovered SHA-branded T-shirts, name tags, membership cards, information leaflets, multiple SIM cards, and a Toyota Prado (registration number KDP 267C). Another number plate, KDS 399C, was also seized, raising questions about the group’s wider activities.
Ongoing Investigations
The suspects are currently being held at Marimanti Police Station as investigations continue. Detectives believe the gang could be part of a larger fraud network targeting unsuspecting Kenyans under the guise of government health programs.
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