Detectives have arrested a man accused of posing as a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer and taking KSh 1.1 million from families chasing military jobs. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) named the suspect as Brian Shem Maboni Achieng. Acting on intelligence, detectives arrested him on Sunday at Cereda Guesthouse in Shibale Trading Centre, Nambale, Busia County.
According to the DCI, officers found him in a room with a 22-year-old woman. Her mother had brought her there hoping to secure a KDF recruitment slot. A parent had also brought a second young woman to the guesthouse. Pulse Live Kenya reported that she was waiting her turn to meet the suspect.
The DCI said preliminary investigations show the suspect claimed he could secure recruitment slots. He allegedly collected the KSh 1.1 million in cash from the victims' parents on different dates between September and November 2026. Pulse Live Kenya reported that he was still collecting money from new victims.
Detectives say the suspect drew blood and urine samples from one of the women, passing it off as a military medical examination. Pulse Live Kenya reported that he had set up a room resembling a medical examination room. Officers recovered two syringes, one holding a blood sample. Capital FM and The Eastleigh Voice said the second held clear fluid, while Pulse Live Kenya said it held urine. Detectives also found a dual-head stethoscope, an Omron blood pressure machine, surgical spirit and cotton wool.
Officers also seized a laptop, electronic accessories, two mobile phones and white T-shirts printed with CODE 87243 and CODE 624513. They found Kenyan and Ugandan national identity cards, a Ugandan driving permit and a Visa card, all bearing the suspect's photograph. The suspect remains in custody ahead of his arraignment. The recovered items are being held as exhibits.
The DCI warned the public against people who pose as recruitment agents for the disciplined services and demand money. "KDF recruitment is conducted through officially announced and transparent procedures, not backdoor deals or cash inducements," the agency said. It urged people to report suspected fraud at the nearest police station or anonymously through Fichua kwa DCI.
Kenyans.co.ke reported that KDF announced a mass recruitment on November 11, with the exercise starting on December 14. The drive targets General Service Officer Cadets, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, and Tradesmen and Women. KDF says the process is free of charge.