Machakos DCIO Nzioka Singini. Photo By Viriginia Siebela 
By Virginia Siebela
Police in Machakos have arrested two suspects involved in a counterfeit canned food scheme, where the items were fraudulently marketed as seafood.
The duo, part of a four-member syndicate, was apprehended in the Kimango area of Machakos Town Constituency after being caught attempting to sell the fake seafood to a local trader.
Confirming the incident, Machakos Town Directorate of Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO) Nzioka Singi said the group misled buyers by presenting the canned items as seafood.
However, investigations revealed the tins contained food rations typically issued to police officers operating in remote, forested regions.
The suspects, who were using a white Toyota Axio during the operation, were arrested after a tip-off from the trader’s husband, Mr. Mulwa.
According to Singi, the trader's wife had earlier shown interest in buying the cans and agreed to pay when the sellers returned. When the suspects came back to collect the money, they found Mr. Mulwa at the shop.
After questioning them, Mulwa became suspicious of their story and promptly alerted the authorities. The suspects were selling each tin for Ksh 15,000.
Police say the group comprises two men and two women. The arrested suspects are expected to be arraigned in court today.
DCIO Singi urged residents to be alert and report any suspicious activities, warning that another criminal group targeting M-Pesa agents is also under investigation and that arrests are imminent.
