Two KDF soldiers arraigned for defrauding Kenyans over KSh2.9M in recruitment malpractice

KDF soldiers accused of a series of offences

On the first count, 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, an act he knew was untrue.

On a second charge, the soldier who was based at Defence Headquarters is alleged to have defrauded John Musoba KSh260,100 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 KSh298,876 from Elizabeth Chepkemoi by giving her false hope that he was in a position to help her daughter, Maximillah Chepyatich join KDF.

On another count, he is alleged to have received an additional KSh145,000 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 when he was apprehended to face trial.

On his part, Cpl Nzioka was charged with three counts of soliciting and receiving over KSh1.4 million from different people under the guise that he was capable of influencing their recruitment into the military.

On the first count, the accused, who was deployed in the Transport Corp, is alleged to have received KSh789,000 from Morris Makau on diverse dates between 1 January 2020 and 28 February 2020 with intent to defraud the complainant.

He was further charged with receiving KSh600,000 from Godfrey Chemei after deceiving him he had several vacancies to fill for potential recruits, an act he knew or ought to have known was false.

On the last count, Cpl Nzioka is alleged to have received an additional KSh72,000 from Makau on February 22, 2020, with false hope that he would help him recruit Nickson Cheroben into the KDF.

Two KDF soldiers deny charges

The two denied all the charges leveled against them when they appeared before the members of the court led by the Chief Magistrate, Letizia Wachira. Their cases were slated for hearing in the months of 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.