Over the past few years, the number of Kenyans arrested for impersonation has been on the rise, with most of the suspects found to be mimicking persons in the criminal justice system.
In this article, we outline 5 persons who made headlines over claims of impersonation:
Brian Mwenda Njagi
He was arrested in October 2023 over claims of being an impostor Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
He was presented in court where he pleaded not guilty to charges of impersonating a city lawyer. He is also facing other charges that include; identity theft and others.
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While confirming Mwenda's arrest, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Eric Theuri noted that they'll ensure the accused faces the full force of the law.
"Brian Mwenda Njagi is now at DCI. We are going to ensure that he faces the full force of the Law. The evidence gathered so far points to several cases of forgery and identity theft," he said.
Sharon Adunya Atieno
Before the dust could settle on the Mwenda arrest, LSK busted Sharon Adunya; a lady accused of stealing the identity of a genuine attorney and using it to establish a law firm.
According to LSK President Eric Theuri, Sharon was arrested on 16 October 2023 over allegations of stealing the identity of Sharon Atieno Obade, a legitimate advocate.
She is further alleged to have forged a national identity and fake practicing certificate under the alias to aid her illegal enterprise.
"She is currently held at Capitol Police Station pending investigations and arraignment in court. We thank our members for alerting us of this incident. We will not relent in this fight. The operation to rid masquerades will be intensive, thorough and unrelenting," Theuri said.
Mugo wa Wairimu
James Mugo Ndichu alias Mugo wa Wairimu made headlines for being a quack doctor. He was arrested and charged with operating illegal clinics in the city. Mugo was also charged for administering medicine without having the relevant licenses.
File image of Mugo wa Wairimu. [Photo: Courtesy]
In addition to the above, he was also charged with administering an unknown drug to a woman, with the intention of rendering her unconscious so that he could have sexual activity with her.
In November 2022, a Nairobi court found him guilty of the charge and handed him a 29 years and six months jail sentence.
Victor Kiprono Ng'eno
He was arrested in October 2021 in Nakuru for impersonating a court magistrate and defrauding unsuspecting citizens.
In 2018, Ng’eno reportedly got Sh1.6 million from a man in Nakuru and promised to expedite a case against him.
After handing over the amount, communication between the two became scarce, prompting the man to visit Nakuru law courts and inquire about Ng'eno, only to discover that there was no such magistrate.
This and other cases prompted investigative agencies to launch a manhunt for Ng'eno who was arrested and charged.
Gordwins Agutu
He was branded a serial fraudster by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) owing to the several impersonation cases against him.
In February 2022 he was arrested by DCI detectives over claims of impersonating Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission officials.
In addition to the above offence, the DCI indicated that Agutu had previously been arrested for impersonating a police officer and an officer of the Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
File image of Gordwins Agutu. [Photo: DCI]
"Agutu’s history in fraud stinks to high heaven... Agutu had previously been arrested in September 2017, masquerading as a Senior Superintendent of Police attached to the Criminal Investigations Department. In his possession were two other employment cards, all indicating that he held senior management positions at the Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board," the DCI said in a statement.
