By Erestinah Jane, July 6, 2026
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested a man accused of masterminding an elaborate employment scam that allegedly conned job seekers out of more than Sh8.6 million through false promises of securing government jobs.
The suspect, identified as Derrick Fanuel Oduor, was arrested following investigations launched after several victims reported the alleged fraud to Baragoi Police Station.
In a statement, the DCI said the suspect had been on its radar after numerous complaints from members of the public who claimed they had paid large sums of money in exchange for non-existent employment opportunities.
“The long arm of the law has finally caught up with a suspect accused of orchestrating an elaborate employment scam that fleeced desperate job seekers of more than Sh8.6 million through fake promises of securing government jobs,” the DCI said.
According to investigators, Oduor allegedly convinced victims that he had the influence and connections to secure jobs in several government institutions, including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the National Police Service (NPS) and the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Detectives said the suspect allegedly collected over Sh8.6 million from unsuspecting job seekers, many of whom were desperate to secure employment in the public service.
Investigations commenced after victims lodged formal complaints at Baragoi Police Station, prompting detectives to launch a manhunt for the suspect.
The DCI said Oduor allegedly ignored police summons, forcing investigators to intensify efforts to trace his whereabouts before eventually arresting him in Nairobi.
During the operation, detectives impounded two motor vehicles believed to have been acquired using proceeds from the alleged fraud. The vehicles, a Toyota Mark X and a Toyota Axio, have been detained as investigations continue.
The suspect was subsequently arraigned before the Maralal Law Courts, where detectives successfully obtained a 10-day custodial order to allow for further investigations into the alleged scheme.
Investigators are now seeking to establish the full extent of the fraud, identify additional victims and determine whether other individuals may have been involved in the operation.
The DCI has urged members of the public to remain vigilant against individuals claiming they can secure government jobs in exchange for money, emphasizing that recruitment into public institutions follows established procedures and does not require payments to brokers or middlemen.
The agency also encouraged anyone who may have fallen victim to the alleged scam or possesses relevant information to report to the nearest police station or DCI office to assist with ongoing investigations.
