Police have arrested a man accused of impersonating Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo and scamming unsuspecting citizens on Facebook.
A statement issued by the County Government of Vihiga on Tuesday, March 10 revealed that Mutinda Muli Ambrose, the alleged impersonator, was apprehended on Saturday, March 7 in Machakos County.
Muli is alleged to have been behind a Facebook page purporting to be the governor's official account. The page contained regular updates on county government activities, including pictures of the governor at various events.
The page claimed the 'governor' was offering jobs and loans, with several people falling for the scheme.
"Good evening? Jobs and loans available to my people of Vihiga County," read a post shared on the page on April 29, 2019, for instance.
The post seen by Kenyans.co.ke elicited tens of responses with desperate Kenyans urging the 'governor' to offer them assistance.
Those who fell for the scheme were reportedly asked to part with between Ksh 398 and Ksh 2,000 as a facilitation fee to secure loans of up to Ksh 200,000.
Ottichilo himself had raised an alarm over the page in December 2019, claiming that those behind it were out to tarnish his reputation.
“I want the public to be cautious about individuals who have formed fake social media accounts in my name which they are using to con people with a promise of giving them loans.
"Let me state categorically that there is nothing like Ottichilo loans,” the governor asserted.
Investigations began after the county boss made a formal complaint about the issue at Vihiga Police Station on December 18, 2019.
“We are reliably informed that these fraudsters are asking for close to Ksh 2,000 as facilitation fee from interested parties. If you get such people just know they are conmen out to tarnish the name of the governor,” stated Vihiga Deputy Governor Patrick Saisi.
Ottichilo advised residents seeking loans and grants to go through official channels, advising them to visit the county government website or county offices.
