A major recruitment fraud scheme has been exposed in Eldoret after 34 young people from Mulot, Bomet County, were arrested Wednesday, November 26th while attempting to report to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Recruits Training School (RTS) on fake offers.

The youths, who had been deceived by conmen into believing they were replacement recruits, were intercepted late yesterday evening while being transported in three public service vehicles (PSVs).

They are currently being held at Baharani Police Station in Turbo Sub-County as investigations commence.

Confirming the arrests, Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi stated that the culprits behind the scheme took advantage of circulating rumours.

“We understand that these individuals capitalized on rumours being peddled that some legitimate recruits were turned back from the RTS due to medical issues, creating a false window of opportunity,” Mwanthi noted.

The 34, all seeking to join the military, now face the consequences of falling prey to the elaborate deception.

Police Commander Mwanthi stressed that a full-scale investigation is underway to unmask and apprehend the masterminds of the operation.

The incident serves as a stark warning about the pervasive nature of recruitment fraud in the country. Commander Mwanthi issued a strong caution to the public to exercise extreme vigilance.

“Kenyans must be wary of cons who promise military or other government jobs for a fee,” he urged. “The public must report such unscrupulous activities to the relevant authorities immediately to prevent others from falling victim to these deceitful schemes.”