KDF Recruitment: Govt Publishes Photo of Fake Recruiter

A past KDF recruitment drive
A past KDF recruitment drive
File

The Ministry of Labour has published the photo of a cyber café attendant who impersonated Social Protection PS Nelson Marwa to extort unsuspecting Kenyans.

The government Ministry noted in a statement that the attendant identified as James Mwita Ikerege was using the PS's name to extort applicants in the ongoing Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment - where he reportedly demanded up to Ksh 200,000 in exchange for jobs.

The Ministry further noted that the suspect had created fake Facebook accounts bearing the image and details of the government official.

"The suspect operates a cybercafé by name Charity Cyber Café and Stationaries, where he has been operating his dangerous criminal activities in Ntimaru and near Matare Primary School.

James Mwita Ikerege, a cyber cafe attendant
James Mwita Ikerege, a cyber café attendant.
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"In November 2019, he created a Facebook account by the name Mkuria Msema Ukweli... He was using the Facebook account to extort money from Kenyans with a promise to help them secure government jobs, especially in KDF," read the statement in part.

The statement, signed by the PS, also indicated that the perpetrator had plastered Marwa's face on the pages due to his influence in the military world.

The pages were promptly pulled down after investigations by government agencies.

"He also used this account to ask for Ksh 200,000 as a fee to help them secure a position at the KDF recruitment 2021," continued the statement.

The Ministry later clarified that the PS does not run any social media accounts and that only disseminates his official communication through the Department of Social Protection.

"The Principal Secretary has no affiliation with ongoing KDF recruitment, and therefore not in a position to assist anyone in the recruitment process.

"Report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or military camp," stated PS Marwa.

Impersonation cases are often recorded highest during the recruitment of police officers and military personnel.

An undated image of Social Protection PS Nelson Marwa
An undated image of Social Protection PS Nelson Marwa.jpg
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