Authorities have arrested a man accused of posing as the personal assistant to the Head of Public Service, a scheme he used to defraud unsuspecting job seekers of their money.
The suspect, identified as Abraham Kimeli, allegedly duped individuals by presenting himself as a well-connected government official capable of securing lucrative job opportunities. Investigations reveal that his fraudulent activities have been ongoing, with victims losing large sums of money in the process.
One of the highlighted cases dates back to February 2024, when a Kenyan woman working in Lebanon was lured into the scam. She encountered Kimeli through TikTok, where he introduced himself under the alias “City Tycoon.” As her employment contract abroad neared its end, she expressed a desire to secure a permanent job back home in Kenya. Kimeli seized the opportunity, convincing her that he had direct access to senior government offices.
To strengthen his deception, Kimeli provided his phone number and shared falsified documents that appeared to originate from the Public Service Commission. This elaborate fabrication led the victim to believe she was dealing with a credible source. Gaining her trust, he began demanding facilitation fees to secure the purported job.
The woman, hopeful for a better future, enlisted her employer’s assistance to send money via Western Union. Over time, she parted with Ksh130,000, only to realize later that the promised job was nothing more than an illusion.
Authorities confirm that Kimeli’s scam was not an isolated case but part of a wider web of deceit targeting vulnerable job seekers. His modus operandi included presenting himself as a trusted government insider, complete with convincing paperwork and an aura of authority, leaving victims convinced that their investments would yield employment.
Following extensive forensic investigations, Kimeli was eventually traced and apprehended. He is currently in police custody undergoing processing and is expected to be arraigned in court.
The arrest highlights the increasing sophistication of fraudsters who exploit social media and digital platforms to prey on unsuspecting individuals. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution when seeking employment opportunities, warning against engaging individuals who demand upfront payments.
Kimeli now faces legal consequences for his actions, bringing some measure of relief to those who fell victim to his scheme.
