Police have arrested a man accused of posing as a police officer and extorting members of the public along Jogoo Road in Nairobi.
The suspect, identified as Augustine Mjomba Mwadime, was arrested by officers from Jogoo Road Police Station at DC Stage following a tip-off from members of the public who raised concerns about his suspicious activities.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspect had allegedly been presenting himself as a law enforcement officer and using the false identity to intimidate and extort unsuspecting people.
When officers approached him, Mwadime reportedly introduced himself as Sergeant Augustine Mjomba Mwadime, claiming that he was attached to the General Service Unit (GSU) Training School in Embakasi.
However, police became suspicious of his claims and subjected him to further checks to establish whether he was genuinely a member of the National Police Service.
A search conducted during the operation reportedly exposed items that investigators believe were being used to make his impersonation appear genuine.
Among the items recovered was a forged certificate of appointment bearing a fake police service number. Officers also recovered a pair of handcuffs and two keys from the suspect.
The recovered items are believed to have been part of an attempt to convince members of the public that he had the authority and powers of a serving police officer.
Police said the suspect was taken into custody following the arrest and was undergoing processing ahead of his expected arraignment in court.
The arrest followed cooperation between members of the public and security officers, with the DCI urging Kenyans to continue reporting suspicious individuals and criminal activities in their neighbourhoods.
The agency warned members of the public to remain cautious when approached by people claiming to be police officers, particularly where such individuals demand money or use their supposed authority to threaten or intimidate them.
Members of the public are encouraged to ask for proper identification where necessary and report any suspicious conduct to the relevant authorities.
The incident also highlights the risks posed by individuals who allegedly use police uniforms, documents or other security-related items to gain public trust and facilitate criminal activities.
The DCI has urged anyone with information about criminal activities to report anonymously through its toll-free number, 0800 722 203, or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
The agency says the reporting channels are available to members of the public who wish to share information without revealing their identities.
Mwadime remains in police custody as officers complete the necessary procedures before his planned court appearance. He is yet to answer to the allegations in court.
