The National Police Service has warned the general public against interacting with the multiple fake accounts purporting to belong to the Deputy Inspector General-Kenya Police Service, Douglas Kanja.
In a statement shared through their social media platforms on Friday, the police service urged Kenyans to treat the accounts with utmost contempt.
It further warned that the accounts were being run by imposters who aimed at conning unsuspecting Kenyans.
The police also clarified that the Deputy IG was not on any social media platform, contrary to statements posted by the accounts.
“The existing accounts are maintained by imposters with criminal intent to defraud unsuspecting Kenyans. Please note that DIG-KPS does not operate any social media account.” read part of the statement.
In the statement, the police service noted that the accounts were against the Facebook community guidelines.
President William Ruto appointed Deputy Inspector General Douglas Kanja to office in April this year. Prior to his appointment, Kanja served as commandant of the General Service Unit since 2018.
Social media impersonation has increased in the recent past, with several high-ranking government officials being targeted.
Barely a month ago, Police Inspector General Japhet Koome's identity was stolen online, prompting the police service to issue a statement and warn the public from interacting with the page.
"The National Police Service wishes to caution the public against interacting with this fake account purporting to belong to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Japhet Koome," the Police warned.
"This account is maintained by unscrupulous imposters with criminal intent to defraud unsuspecting Kenyans and the general public. Please note that the Inspector General of Police does not operate any social media account," it added.
Most impersonations on social media are always aimed at causing harm or defrauding unsuspecting victims, unaware of the credibility of the accounts.
