2 Jobseekers Lose Ksh1.1 Million to Fake KDF Recruiter

KDF has often insisted that its recruitment would only be announced through its official website and social media platforms.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a man accused of posing as a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer to collect recruitment fees from the parents of two young women.

The arrest comes days after the military announced its next national recruitment drive.

The suspect, Brian Shem Maboni Achieng, was found at Cereda Guesthouse in Shibale Trading Centre. He was in a room with a 22-year-old woman whose mother had brought her there hoping to secure a place in the military.

A second young woman had also been taken to the premises by a parent. According to the DCI, both families believed their daughters were being lined up for enlistment.

Acting on intelligence, officers in Nambale say the suspect had been presenting himself as someone able to secure recruitment slots.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the parents handed over KSh1.1 million in cash on different dates between September and November 2026.

The DCI said what detectives found in the room raised more serious concerns than the alleged fraud alone.

“A search revealed that the suspect had already drawn blood and urine samples from one of the women under the guise of conducting a KDF medical examination,” the DCI said.

Brian Shem Maboni was arrested with certain articles presenting himself as someone able to secure KDF recruitment slots for his fraud victims.

Detectives recovered two syringes, one holding a blood sample and the other a clear fluid, along with a black dual-head stethoscope, an Omron blood pressure machine, surgical spirit and cotton wool.

They also seized a laptop, a computer mouse and other electronic accessories, and white T-shirts printed with the inscriptions CODE 87243 and CODE 624513.

Officers also recovered Kenyan and Ugandan national identity cards, a Ugandan driving permit and a VISA card, all bearing the suspect’s photograph, as well as two mobile phones.

The suspect is in custody as the DCI processes him ahead of arraignment. The items remain exhibits in the continuing investigation.

The alleged payments began weeks before KDF formally announced its next recruitment.

The nationwide exercise is scheduled for December 2026 and covers General Service Officer (GSO) cadets, specialist officers, general duty recruits and tradesmen and women.

The official process is different from what the suspect allegedly offered. Applications must be submitted online through the Ministry of Defence recruitment portal, and applicants must be Kenyan citizens with valid national identity cards and no criminal record.

The deadline for online applications is December 12, and shortlisted candidates will be announced through the Ministry of Defence website and print media between December 21 and 25.

The ministry has also said biometric verification will be the sole method of identification during recruitment and when successful candidates report for training.

It has said that bribery or corruption intended to influence the process is a criminal offence.

The DCI said the official channels leave no room for brokers.

“KDF recruitment is conducted through officially announced and transparent procedures, not backdoor deals or cash inducements,” it said.

Applicants also have to meet physical and medical standards.

The minimum height is 1.60 metres for men and 1.52 metres for women, and candidates must meet the prescribed weight and body mass index requirements and be medically fit.

That standard is what the suspect allegedly exploited by staging his own medical test in a guesthouse room.

Fraudsters have targeted KDF recruitment before. The DCI has urged the public not to fall victim to people posing as recruitment agents for the disciplined services and demanding money in return for enlistment.

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