A syndicate of four individuals posing as officials from the Social Health Authority (SHA) has been arrested after conning a man out of Ksh251,000 in an elaborate scam.

The suspects, identified as Peter Muriithi, Catherine Kinyua, Lilian Njeri, and Samuel Mbuthia, are currently in police custody at Marimanti Police Station as investigations continue.

According to authorities, the suspects approached the victim under the guise of enrolling him in a supposed SHA membership program.

In a deceptive twist, they requested that he hand over his mobile phone, claiming it was necessary to “complete the registration process.”

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Victim Loses Ksh251,000 in Minutes

Moments after surrendering his phone, the victim’s device unexpectedly went off.

All attempts to restore service failed, prompting him to visit his Sacco for assistance.

There, he was shocked to discover that his account had been completely drained.

A total of Ksh251,000 had been transferred to several mobile numbers linked to the fraudsters.

Realizing he had been duped, the victim reported the matter to the police, sparking an urgent investigation.

Law enforcement officers in Marimanti swiftly launched an operation that led to the arrest of the four suspects believed to be part of a wider criminal network targeting unsuspecting Kenyans.

Police Recover Fake SHA Materials and Vehicle

During a search at the suspects’ hideout, detectives discovered a collection of incriminating materials.

Among the items recovered were SHA-branded T-shirts, name tags, membership cards, informational leaflets, and several SIM cards believed to have been used to facilitate the fraud.

Police also impounded a Toyota Prado, registration number KDP 267C, suspected to have been used in their operations.

Another number plate, KDS 399C, was also recovered, raising further suspicion about the gang’s activities.

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Suspects Await Court Arraignment

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that the four suspects are currently undergoing processing as detectives work to trace potential accomplices and additional victims.

“The suspects are cooling their heels at Marimanti Police Station pending arraignment,” the DCI said, adding that investigations are ongoing to establish the full scope of their operations.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and verify the identities of officials before engaging in any form of registration or financial transaction.

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A photo of DCI headquarter gate or illustration purposes/ X Account