Conmen device new ways to extort Siaya entrepreneurs

SIAYA, KENYA: Police are investigating an incident where conmen used the name of Siaya County commissioner Michael Ole Tialal to solicit for money from six business people.

The conmen are said to have used an OCS to get the contacts of the businessmen on Monday. 
Upon getting the contact of the Chairperson of the chamber of commerce Roseline Omuga, the conmen used her to get the contacts of the other five business people.
According to the county commissioner, the conmen had told Ms. Omuga over the phone that the principle secretary of Interior Karanja Kibicho was to visit the county to hold a very high profile delegate meeting with the six and issue them with firearms for protection.

"Somebody called the OCS pretending he was me and told him the PS will be here today to talk to business persons in this county. He asked OCS to talk to chamber of commerce to do mobilisation before he later called the six to send him money," he added.

The conmen asked the businessmen to send Sh18,700 for the registration on the issues of firearms while another business person was asked to send Sh40,000 to cater for his registration and basic needs of the PS on the night of his visit.

The six businessmen have been referred to the County Criminal Investigation Officer to help trace the numbers and for further investigation. 

"We appeal to anyone not to give money easily before verifying with contacts. I am not sure if these criminals are within.”

Mr. Tialal said that the OCS would also be investigated on the same.