Two Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers have been charged with being involved in recruitment malpractices and conning unsuspecting Kenyans a total of Sh2.9 million.
The two, Corporal Eric Nzioka and Senior Private Isaac Mwangi Maina were charged in a Court Martial sitting at the Lang’ata Garrison.
Cpl Nzioka and Spte Mwangi were accused of multiple charges of receiving over Sh2.9 million cumulatively from unsuspecting Kenyans with fake promises that they would influence their recruitment into the military.
The two denied all the charges when they appeared before the court led by the Chief Magistrate, Letizia Wachira.
Spte Mwangi was charged with seven counts among them prejudice of good order, obtaining money by false pretence, committing civil offences contrary to the KDF Act and desertion from duty without official permission from his seniors.
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“The accused is alleged to have solicited and received half a million from Godfrey Chemei in December 2019 by pretending that he was in a position to recruit Brian Musto to the KDF,” said KDF.
“On a second charge, the soldier who was based at Defence Headquarters is alleged to have defrauded John Musoba Sh260,100 on diverse dates between January and April 2020 by pretending he was in a position to recruit his daughter Ann Musoba into the military as a cadet.”
Spte Mwangi was further accused of soliciting and receiving Sh298,876 from Elizabeth Chepkemoi by giving her false hope that he was in a position to help her daughter, Maximillah Chepyatich join KDF.
He is also alleged to have received an additional Ksh 145,000 from Chemei so he could help enlist ten other potential recruits during the 2020 nationwide recruitment exercise.
Spte Mwangi was further charged with deserting his place of work for over three months from 15 March 2021 to 2 June 21, 2021 when he was apprehended to face trial.
Cpl Nzioka was charged with three counts of soliciting and receiving over Sh1.4 million from different people under the guise that he was capable of influencing their recruitment into the military.
On the first count, the accused is alleged to have received Sh789,000 from Morris Makau on diverse dates between 1 January 2020 and 28 February 2020 with the intent to defraud the complainant.
He was further charged with receiving Ksh 600,000 from Godfrey Chemei after deceiving him he had several vacancies to fill for potential recruits.
Cpl Nzioka is alleged to have received an additional Ksh 72,000 from Makau on 22 February 2020 with the false hope that he would help him recruit Nickson Cheroben into the KDF.
The cases will be heard in March and April 2022.
“KDF reminds the public to be cautious of individuals purporting to influence the recruitment process as they are fraudsters and that the recruitment process is free and fair to all qualified individuals.”
