A man was arraigned at the Kiambu Law Courts on Friday, December 15, for impersonating Justice William Ouko of the Supreme Court of Kenya.
The Judiciary, via its Directorate of Public Affairs and Communication, stated that police arrested the man while scamming unsuspecting job seekers with fake promises, including aiding them to land opportunities in different sectors.
Judge Ouko received information on November 24 that a mobile number that purported to be his was being used to fraud members of the public in the context of securing them employment.
He then reported the matter to the police, which led to the suspect's arrest on December 8.
Upon investigations, DCI uncovered that the accused had been obtaining money from unsuspecting victims who believed that he was a judge and that he had good connections.
Documents filed in court showed that the suspect had used the judge's name in a cross-section of institutions offering various people employment.
Intelligence from local police and residents in Awendo in Migori, where the accused was residing, alleged that he had solicited money from various people in different parts of the country.
"Investigations, according to one DCI officer’s affidavit, have also indicated that the suspect has residences in the counties of Nairobi, Kakamega, and Migori, from where he is suspected to be operating his fraudulent activities," read part of the court documents.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), was granted three days to complete investigations and present the suspect in court for more cross-examination.
DCI officers also appealed to the victims to record statements as they sought to conduct searches and collect exhibits in the suspect's various residences.
"Following an application, the Court gave an order that the Respondent be detained in the custody of the DCI and also transport him to Kisumu where most of the crimes he allegedly committed happened. The Court directed the DCI to arraign him at Kisumu Law Courts on December 19.
"As the matter takes its course in court, members of the public are informed that as a matter of principle and ethics, Judges would not seek such favours. Members of the public who may be approached by such conmen in the name of a judge should verify with the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary any information or request purported to emanate from a Judge," the Judiciary warned.
