Police in Nambale Subcounty, Busia County, have launched an intensive manhunt for a Ugandan herbalist accused of defrauding more than 10 Kenyans of a total of Sh1.7 million under the guise of traditional healing. The suspect allegedly threatened victims with death using a so-called “ritual snake,” creating fear and coercing them into giving him money.
The man was arrested on July 8, 2025, at a rented private residence in Nambale town, which he had converted into an office. He was later released on a Sh15,000 cash bail on Wednesday but failed to report to the police station the following day as required. His release has sparked outrage among the victims, who are now demanding his immediate re-arrest and prosecution.
The conman is reported to have used fake social media accounts and impersonated Dr. Paul Okello, a respected Kenyan herbalist from Kaliwa village. Okello has since come out publicly to clear his name and condemned the impersonation. “I urge the police to move quickly and ensure that this criminal is brought to justice,” Okello stated, adding that he assisted some victims in filing reports against the impostor.
Several victims recounted being lured to the suspect’s residence in Nambale, where he performed fake rituals and issued threats of death and calamities if they failed to pay him. The fraudulent operations have triggered wider concern about the growing number of criminal cases involving foreign nationals in Kenya.
In a related development, Nairobi police recently arrested four fraud suspects, including a Ugandan, linked to an M-PESA scam. One of the accomplices was found in possession of an AK-47 rifle. In West Pokot, authorities are conducting a census of foreigners after the arrest of several Ugandans accused of child killings and cannibalism.
County Commissioner officials have emphasized the need to monitor foreign residents closely to protect Kenyan citizens from transnational crimes. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies continue to urge anyone else defrauded by the herbalist to come forward and assist with investigations.
