50 youths arrested with fake Kenya Defence Forces admission letters at Moi barracks

 

Police officers led by Eldoret West OCPD Samuel Mutunga (second left) inspect Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment admission letters and mobile phones alleged to have been recovered from suspects in Eldoret. [Photo by Peter Ochieng, Standard]

At least 50 youths have been arrested with fake KDF admission letters.

They were detained when they reported to the Moi Barracks Recruit Training School in Eldoret at the weekend.

Many were said to have been shocked when they learned that their letters were not genuine.

Uasin Gishu County Criminal Investigations Officer Patrick Kiswii said the youths have recorded statements with the police.

"Investigations into the alleged forgery are currently going on and I believe the statements they have given to the police will help us expose those behind the racket," said Kiswii.

The officer said the investigators are trying to establish if there is a connection between these cases and last week's incident in Eldoret town in which three people were arrested with fake military documents.

The police also recovered Sh726,000 from one of those detained. It was suspected that he was behind a cartel that was faking military documents and information.

Eldoret West OCPD Samuel Mutunga said one of the suspects had been posing as a major in the Kenya Defence Forces and telling the youth that he was in a position to help them join the military.

Last year, 57 military recruits were arrested and accused of fraudulently acquiring recruitment letters. [Silah Koskei and Peter Ochieng]