Benedict Odeng’ero Wekesa, a notorious con artist at the centre of a Sh2.5 million police recruitment scam. Photo by DCI 
By Andrew Mbuva
Kilimani detectives have arrested a notorious con artist at the centre of a Sh2.5 million police recruitment scam that targeted desperate job seekers with promises of guaranteed entry into the National Police Service.
Benedict Odeng’ero Wekesa was flushed out of his hideout at Sagret Hotel after three victims stepped forward, detailing how they were duped into parting with huge sums of money in exchange for fake recruitment letters. The victims narrated how Wekesa, posing as a well-connected insider, assured them that their slots in the service were already secured — all they needed was to “facilitate the process.”
By the time the con was exposed, the victims had cumulatively lost Sh2.5 million, and their dreams of donning the police uniform had evaporated.
In a swift operation, detectives stormed the hotel and arrested the suspect. During the raid, officers recovered 20 additional fake recruitment letters, laying bare what appears to be a sophisticated fraud ring preying on vulnerable youth seeking employment.
However, Wekesa’s accomplice narrowly escaped the dragnet, slipping away moments before officers moved in. Detectives are now pursuing fresh leads to track down the fugitive partner believed to be a key player in the scheme.
Wekesa remains in custody undergoing processing and is expected to be arraigned once investigations are concluded.
In a strong warning to the public, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations urged Kenyans to remain vigilant against scammers masquerading as police recruiters. The agency reminded the public that official recruitment into the National Police Service is free, merit-based, and transparent.
“The public is advised to immediately report anyone demanding money in exchange for a recruitment slot to the nearest police station,” urged the DCI.
