How man and woman swindled Sh5.4 million in fake KDF, police jobs

A Kenya Police recruiting officer takes recruits through physical exercise at Gusii Stadium during Kenya Police recruitment exercise on 24/3/2022. [Sammy Omingo, Standard] Two suspects were charged at a Makadara court for swindling Sh5.4 million from eleven unsuspecting Kenyans under the pretence of securing them jobs in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the National Police Service (NPS), and the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). The duo's well-orchestrated tactics led some of the victims to sell their properties, including livestock and land. Others borrowed huge loans, while others depleted their savings. Elizabeth Soti Chesang and her accomplice, Kelvin Chesire, denied all eleven counts of fraud. Ms Soti, who claimed to be unwell, remained seated with her head covered during the proceedings. They appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Paul Rotich, where they faced fraud charges allegedly committed jointly with others not before the court. According to court documents, between November 20 and December 2, they obtained Sh300,000 from Abraham Kemei Lelei by falsely pretending they could recruit his daughter into the KDF. Lelei, a father of five, sold all his cows and a piece of land to raise the facilitation fee. He was told his daughter would join the KDF base in Eldoret. He travelled from his home in Kibukwa village with his daughter, hoping she would be enlisted. After handing the money to a man sent by Soti, the accomplice took a cab towards the KDF Training College but changed his mind en route. A section of youth who turned up for recruitment during Kenya defense force recruitment exercise at Bukhungu stadium of Kakamega. [File, Standard] The accomplice lied to Lelei and his daughter that they had arrived late and the admission time had elapsed. Soti in a phone conversation, allegedly advised them to spend the night in Eldoret and that they would be picked up the next day. Lelei followed her advice. The following morning, he and his daughter went to the meeting point, but no one came. Soti's accomplice took them in circles until darkness fell. Stranded, Lelei returned home, leaving his daughter in a hotel, unaware that the deal had fallen through. His calls to the suspects went unanswered. The girl, who waited in vain for two days in Eldoret town, returned home devastated and heartbroken. On November 16 and 21, the duo allegedly defrauded Julius Kiptoo Naandin of Sh450,000 by falsely promising to recruit his son into the NPS, while Isaack Kiptoo Bwambok separately parted with Sh635,000 for the same course. Nandin's son was instructed to wait at Chemelil roundabout to be picked by Soti's accomplice, but it never happened. He waited until dusk, then travelled to the GSU college in Embakasi, Nairobi, where he had been told training would take place. He was turned away for lacking a calling letter. James Kipkurui paid Sh600,000 into Chesire's M-Pesa account on November 20 and 21 after the accused promised to recruit his son into the KDF. During the same month on 13th, Noah Maiyo paid Sh500,300 for his son's recruitment into the forces. On diverse dates between October 14 and 29, the duo obtained a total of Sh1,180,000 from Lucy Kiptum, Erick Kogo, and Stella Jemeli. Janet Chemutai parted with Sh460,000, while Mathews Okoth paid Sh900,000 for his brother to join as a cadet and his daughter to be recruited as a nurse. Okoth was led to believe Soti worked at Jogoo House. She arranged a meeting on the second floor, ushered him into a waiting lounge, and demanded Sh900,000 for the cadet slot, claiming it was the most expensive.Okoth bargained and settled on Sh600,000, paying half as a deposit. The next day, Soti called him to meet at a cafe near KNH. She claimed to know the hospital's director from school and offered to secure a nursing job for his daughter for Sh300,000. Okoth paid without due diligence, after which she went silent. Alex Chogo paid Sh300,000 for his best friend to be recruited into the NPS. All victims lost their hard-earned money to the convincing promises of job slots. Many were invited to high-end restaurants where deals were struck and facilitation fees demanded. Those with fatty wallets ended up paying more compared to those with little or none to give who ended up selling their properties. The victims were strung along with unfulfilled promises. The matter was reported to Shaurimoyo Police Station, with victims travelling from Eldoret to Nairobi to file complaints. The accused were represented by defence counsel Chepkorir Cheruiyot, who told the court that Soti was sick, unemployed, and caring for a child with special needs. "My clients are both sole providers for their families, who are willing to act as contact persons," Ms Chepkorir said. In response, state counsel Maureen Mwenesa objected to bail, citing risks to the accused's lives and the large sums involved. "Their place of abode is unknown, rendering them a flight risk," she said. "No medical reports have been tabled regarding Soti's health or the child in need of special care." In an affidavit opposing bail, Mwenesa noted that the right to bail under Article 49 is not absolute and the court should exercise discretion considering all case facts. Ms Chepkorir tore into the affidavit as lacking compelling reasons. "The purpose of bond and bail is not to punish but to secure court attendance. My clients cooperated with police, and there is no proof they would be harmed if released," she said. After considering both sides, the court granted a bond of Sh2 million with an alternative cash bail of Sh1 million. The matter will be mentioned on January 20.

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