By: Rhoda Bogeta
Joshua Mutui Muimi was on Tuesday arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts after he was arrested for allegedly impersonating a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer and running a fake military recruitment scheme.
The prosecution asked the court to detain him for seven days to allow investigators to conclude their inquiries.
The prosecution told the court that Muimi was arrested on Monday while allegedly posing as a KDF officer and issuing calling letters purportedly from the Ministry of Defence. The letters directed unsuspecting Kenyans to report for a purported recruitment exercise in Eldoret on November 17.
At the time of his arrest, Muimi was reportedly dressed in full Kenya Air Force uniform with an identifying name tag.
The court heard that a search conducted by police led to the recovery of several documents, including Ministry of Defence,branded papers, six admission letters, seven calling letters, seven fingerprint forms and KCSE certificates believed to belong to victims.
The items were recovered from a motor vehicle linked to the suspect.
Investigators now seek to forward the documents and the military regalia to the Ministry of Defence for authentication.
They also intend to trace and record statements from Kenyans who were allegedly contacted to collect the admission letters.
The prosecution further informed the court that Muimi had been staying in a serviced apartment he had rented temporarily and that his permanent residence remains unknown, making him a potential flight risk.
In his defence, Muimi told the court that this was his first time being arrested.
He asked to be released on cash bail, saying he was willing to cooperate with investigators.
He further claimed that he had previously served in the military and left in 2018, adding that the uniform he was found wearing was his original kit from service.
He also maintained that the documents recovered were blank and that he had not obtained money from the public.
The court directed the respondent to be detained until November 24,2025 when he’ll be arraigned in court again.
