Detectives have arrested a 28-year-old man accused of producing false health documents and stamps linked to Wilson Airport. The suspect, identified as Desmond Omollo Ogutu, was apprehended in the Claywork area of Kasarani, Nairobi County, following an intelligence-led operation.
Authorities say the arrest followed investigations into a forgery network involving falsified health certifications. A raid on the suspect’s residence uncovered a large collection of incriminating items. Among the items recovered were fake stamps from Port Health Services at Wilson Airport, a counterfeit seal of a Port Health officer, and several stamps fraudulently labelled with medical references such as “Injectable Polio Vaccine” and “Stamaril Pasteur.”
The operation also uncovered stamps inscribed with the names “Gertrude Children’s Hospital” and “Dr. Desmond Ogutu.” In addition, detectives seized 274 blank International Certificates of Vaccination and 91 single-dose vaccination cards, pointing to a highly organized forgery scheme.
Investigators believe the suspect is directly linked to forged yellow fever vaccination cards recovered from six Somali nationals intercepted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport earlier this month. The travelers were allegedly attempting to use the fake documents while heading to Libya via Egypt on August 8, 2025.
Following his arrest, the suspect was presented before Kahawa Law Courts for custodial orders. However, the session was adjourned after his lawyer failed to join the virtual proceedings in time. He is currently being held at Muthaiga Police Station pending further mention of the case.
The incident has raised concerns over public health and security, especially at key airports where vaccination certificates are mandatory for international travel. Forged health stamps and vaccination cards not only undermine border control systems but also pose serious risks in the fight against communicable diseases. Authorities emphasized that investigations into the broader network are ongoing, with more arrests expected as the crackdown intensifies.
The case highlights the growing challenge of document forgery, particularly in sensitive sectors such as healthcare and aviation security. Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and warned that those found engaging in such criminal activities will face the full force of the law.
