Detectives have arrested four individuals in Bomet County over a fraudulent recruitment scheme that swindled job seekers of more than KSh40 million through forged Teachers Service Commission (TSC) appointment letters.
The suspects, David Kemei, TSC Director for Konoin Sub‑County; Rosebella Chepkemoi Korir, a former Bomet County Woman Representative aspirant; and two teachers, Leonard Siele Towett and Mercy Cherotich, were taken into custody following weeks of investigations.
Authorities say the group orchestrated a network that preyed on unemployed teachers and members of the public desperate for permanent and pensionable jobs.
Investigations revealed that victims were duped into paying large sums of money in exchange for fake recruitment letters. Many reportedly sold property, took loans, or drained their savings in pursuit of the promised positions. Detectives described the scheme as one of the largest recruitment scams to hit the education sector in recent years.
The four suspects were arraigned before the Bomet Law Courts, where investigators secured 14‑day custodial orders to facilitate further inquiries. Officials believe the fraud ring extends beyond Bomet, with links to Kericho, Narok, Kisii, and Nyamira counties. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest additional suspects connected to the syndicate.
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The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), working in collaboration with the TSC, vowed to dismantle criminal networks exploiting job seekers and eroding public trust in government institutions. The agency urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and verify all recruitment opportunities through official TSC channels, stressing that the commission does not charge any fees for employment.
“Investigations have since revealed that the suspects targeted unemployed teachers and members of the public, demanding hefty payments in exchange for forged appointment letters promising permanent and pensionable employment with the TSC. Many victims reportedly took loans, sold property, or exhausted their savings in pursuit of the promised jobs,” the DCI statement read.
In a public advisory, DCI encouraged victims who have not yet reported to come forward. Reports can be made anonymously through the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline 0800 722 203 (toll‑free), via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000, or at the nearest police station.
Authorities said the arrests send a strong warning to fraudsters targeting vulnerable job seekers, while reinforcing the government’s commitment to safeguarding integrity in public service recruitment.
By Our Reporter
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