A suspected fraudster has been arrested for allegedly posing as a senior intelligence officer and orchestrating a fake Sh15 million government tender scheme targeting a construction firm.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) said the suspect, Joel Wanyama Simiyu, impersonated an officer from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and falsely claimed to be attached to the National Government Constituencies Development Fund Board.
According to investigators, Simiyu used the alleged cover to dupe a construction company into undertaking a non-existent project at Kaptis Primary Special School in Hamisi Sub-County, Vihiga County.
To convince the contractor, the suspect reportedly staged a fake project handover, complete with forged contract documents, and introduced an accomplice who posed as an engineer to push for unauthorised project variations.
“The suspect created an elaborate scheme, including falsified documentation and impersonation of public officials, to mislead the contractor into believing the project was legitimate,” EACC said in a statement.
The firm is said to have gone ahead with the works and paid about Sh1.4 million in so-called facilitation fees.
The scam came to light when the contractor sought payment from the Hamisi NG-CDF office, only to discover that no such project had ever been approved.
In a brazen move, the suspect later resurfaced and allegedly demanded an additional Sh20,000 bribe, claiming he would “facilitate” the processing of the pending payments.
EACC detectives arrested him while receiving the cash.
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“He was apprehended in the act of receiving a bribe and is currently assisting with investigations,” the commission said.
Simiyu was booked at Kisumu Central Police Station and later released on a Sh20,000 cash bail as investigations continue. Authorities say efforts are underway to identify and arrest any accomplices linked to the scheme.
The anti-graft agency has warned contractors and the public to remain cautious when engaging in public projects.
“We urge all stakeholders to verify procurement processes through official government channels to avoid falling victim to fraudsters,” EACC said.
