Two Multimedia University students were on Wednesday arraigned in court on charges of impersonating Murang'a Woman Representative Sabina Chege and defrauding former Gem Member of Parliament (MP) Jakoyo Midiwo.
Derrick Kemutai Ng’etich and Edwin Nderitu Warukira allegedly carried on conversations with Mr Midiwo via text message convincing him that they were the female legislator.
The scam proved successful as the former MP at one point sent money to the suspect's phone number after learning that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) had frozen Ms Chege's bank accounts.
In March 2018, the two allegedly pestered the former Gem legislator with requests for more money leading Mr Midiwo to believe that the Woman Rep was in real need.
[caption caption="Former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo"]
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Midiwo claims that the rigorous appeals for funds raised suspicions at which point he opted to use another contact to reach Ms Chege.
The female legislator denied ever receiving money from Midiwo and clarified that the number used by the students was not hers.
The former MP proceeded to lure out the conmen with a promise to give them Sh100,000 if they appeared to meet him.
Meanwhile, he alerted the police who were present when the students showed up at the meeting point.
Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi further heard that the two were part of a bigger cartel operating within Parliament buildings.
The two suspects denied the charges brought against them and were released on a Sh 30,000 cash bail with an alternative bond of Sh50,000.
The case will be heard on April 11, 2018.
[caption caption="Murang'a Woman Rep Sabina Chege"]
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