Police authorities in Mt Kenya region are on high alert after fake cash flooded the region following heightened political campaign activities.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, February 1, Murang’a South Police Commander Alexander Shikondi confirmed that some individuals had been distributing fake notes and retaining new ones.
He noted that the fake cash cases had been reported in the Mt Kenya counties of Meru, Embu, Kirinyaga and Murang’a.
Shikondi's sentiments had been earlier shared by former Central Regional Commissioner Wilfred Nyagwanga.
The former commissioner had noted that a gang was in operation in the region and asked police officers to take caution when dealing with the victims.
“You are hereby advised to remain vigilant in your areas of jurisdiction following an influx of fake currency.
“You are urged to apply utmost fairness in dealing with victims of the fraud and desist from mechanical punishment of victims. Sound investigative doctrine must apply to nab the peddlers of the fake currency," cautioned Nyamwanga according to Nation.
Targets for the money are political crowds, boda boda riders as well as traders who operate by the roadside.
“The customers claim they are in a hurry and traders cannot quickly verify whether the money is genuine.
“We have reason to believe that it is a well-protected racket that has some police officers in it as well as foreigners who even own money-printing presses in private houses,” stated one of the traders.
In September 2021, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched a crackdown on money laundering suspects after the practice became widespread across the city.
At the time, three suspects were arrested in an operation by DCI's Transnational Organized Crime detectives at an apartment in Nairobi's posh Kileleshwa estate.
The suspects were found in possession of assorted fake local and foreign currencies and equipment believed to be used in the production of fake currencies.
