Fake GSU Officer Impersonating Presidential Link Arrested in Eldoret Over KSh 400,000 Job Scam
The suspect, identified as Ezekiel Kipkemboi Sirma, was arrested following a complaint from a military officer who reported being extorted under false pretenses.
Ezekiel Kipkemboi Sirma, 34, is escorted to Eldoret Central Police Station after being implicated in an extortion case involving a military officer. Sirma is accused of impersonating a General Service Unit officer allegedly linked to President William Ruto’s mother, Sarah Cheruiyot.
Police in Eldoret are holding a 34-year-old man accused of impersonating a General Service Unit (GSU) officer and fraudulently claiming to have ties to President William Ruto’s mother, Sarah Cheruiyot.
The suspect, identified as Ezekiel Kipkemboi Sirma, was arrested following a complaint from a military officer who reported being extorted under false pretenses. Sirma allegedly demanded KSh 400,000 in exchange for promising to secure a job for the officer’s orphaned relative in the ongoing Kenya Prison Service recruitment exercise.
Arrest at the Heart of Eldoret
Sirma, a father of three, was apprehended in Eldoret town by the complainant with the assistance of members of the public. He was then escorted to Eldoret Central Police Station, where he is currently in custody.
The complainant, a serving military officer who declined to be named, explained how he was introduced to the suspect.
“I was linked to the suspect through a well-known friend of mine who claimed to be a police corporal at Eldoret Police Station. I believed him when he referred me to the suspect for help in securing a job for my orphaned relative in the Kenya Prison Service,” said the officer.
According to the victim, their relationship with the police corporal began at a petrol station in the Annex area along the Eldoret-Nakuru Highway, where they would regularly meet to refill their gas cylinders.
“Through our frequent interactions, I opened up about my relative’s situation and asked if he could assist in any way. That’s when he introduced me to Sirma,” he added.
Suspect Tries to Flee Scene
Trouble began when the suspect refused to present his identification during a meeting.
“When I showed him my military ID, he began to panic and attempted to flee on a motorbike. I quickly told the rider that he was a thief and not to take him anywhere. The rider complied and asked him to get off the bike,” the officer recounted.
With help from bystanders, the officer detained the suspect and took him directly to the Central Police Station.
DCI Confirms Investigation Underway
Turbo Sub-County DCI boss Richard Okeri confirmed the arrest and said the suspect is cooperating with investigations.
“We are holding the suspect in connection with impersonating a police officer and attempting to extort money from a member of the public. If found culpable, he will be arraigned in court,” Okeri stated.
He added that both the complainant and the suspect have recorded statements, which will aid the ongoing investigations.
Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
DCI Okeri used the incident to warn members of the public against fraudsters claiming to have links to government institutions and promising fake job placements in return for money.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to conmen posing as officers with connections to government recruitment processes,” he cautioned.
He reiterated that legitimate recruitment into police and prison services is conducted transparently and free of charge, and anyone promising otherwise should be reported to the authorities.
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