November 26, 2024

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Court Charge KDF Imposter After Defrauding Man Sh470,000

According to court documents, Mark Njihia allegedly claimed to be an officer attached to the KDF’s Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI). Photo/Courtesy.

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A fake Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) military intelligence officer was arraigned at the Kibera Law Courts Thursday and charged with obtaining Sh470,000 from an unsuspecting parent after promising him a slot in the disciplined service for his daughter.

According to court documents, Mark Njihia allegedly claimed to be an officer attached to the KDF’s Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI).

He is said to have defrauded the the victim of his money on diverse dates between November,11 and 19, 2021.

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The incident occurred in Karen, Nairobi county.

Appearing before Resident Magistrate William Tullel,the accussed claimed to be in a position to assist two people to join the KDF.

He was also charged with impersonating a person employed by the public service and using an identity card belonging to a different person which he used to register sim card without the owner’s permission.

The number was used to commit the fraud.

The court was informed that the accused identified himself as Major Lihenzero Victor Kirima of DMI and received part of the alleged amount outside the KDF’s National Defence College in Karen.

The victim, Kimani, is said to have bene introduced by the suspect’s accomplice who later planned their meeting in Karen and was told to carry his daughter’s academic certificates as well as a recent good conduct certificate.

It was at this point that he allegedly also demanded an application and facilitation fee.

The court was further informed that the victim was forced to sell his property in order to raise the required funds as well as borrowing from family and friends.

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After facilitating the transaction he was told to receive a call from the Department of Defence headquarters. The call never came.

“He sent the last instalment via Mpesa on November 19 before Njihia switched off his phone and ended communication with him,”

The matter was shortly after reported at the Kabete police station.

The victim’s friend is also said to have been arrested by DCI detectives.

The accused denied the charges and was released on  Sh300, 000 bond and alternative cash bail of Sh50, 000.

The case will be mentioned on April 12.