Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) based in Cheptais, Bungoma County, arrested an officer from the General Service Unit (GSU) along with two police constables accused of issuing fake Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) letters to unsuspecting victims.
According to a police report seen by Kenyans.co.ke, it was revealed that the three suspects had previously attempted to join KDF but were unsuccessful.
They thus resorted to conning recruits as they were aware of the recruitment process. DCI alleged that the trio promised the applicants KDF calling letters in exchange for a Ksh300,000 bribe.
Unaware of the con game, the suspects contacted two youths from Cheptais and informed them of the backdoor opportunity to secure KDF slots.
Subsequently, they arranged a meetup point to exchange the cash for the promised KDF calling letters.
However, one of the youth from Cheptais reported the matter to the DCI Cheptais branch, who laid an ambush and arrested the trio.
The suspects were found waiting near Cheptais Calvary church in a white Toyota Allion, preparing to accept the bribe in exchange for fake KDF calling letters.
During a thorough search of the suspect's vehicle, the detectives recovered several items, including five KDF calling letters, six fingerprint forms, two stamp pads, one military boot, five KDF joining application forms, and two Kenya national identity cards.
Additionally, other documents included one KDF identity card and a certificate of appointment from the National Police Service (NPS).
The trio was placed in custody at Cheptais police station while the motor vehicle was detained for processing.
The KDF recruitment exercise began last month, ended on September 8, and was conducted in 374 centres across all 47 counties.
During the exercise, the recruits are often expected to carry their National Identity card, be 26 years or below, maintain skin health and carry academic qualifications depending on the positions they seek to join.
Thereafter, the candidates undergo medical examinations based on military benchmarks before the shortlisting process begins.
