Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have netted four suspects in Bomet County over an alleged recruitment scam in which job seekers were duped using counterfeit Teachers Service Commission (TSC) appointment letters, a scheme authorities say siphoned more than KSh40 million from unsuspecting victims.
Those arrested include David Kemei, a TSC director based in Konoin Sub-County; Rosebella Chepkemoi Korir, a former Bomet County Woman Representative aspirant; and two teachers, Leonard Siele Towett and Mercy Cherotich.
According to the DCI, the arrests followed an intensive investigation that exposed a well-coordinated scheme targeting unemployed teachers and members of the public desperate for employment. The suspects are accused of demanding substantial sums of money in exchange for forged appointment letters promising permanent and pensionable positions with the TSC.
Investigators revealed that many victims were persuaded to take bank loans, sell land and livestock, or drain their personal savings after being assured that the recruitment process was genuine and backed by senior officials.
The four suspects were arraigned on Friday at the Bomet Law Courts, where detectives obtained 14-day custodial orders to allow for further investigations as authorities move to unravel the full scope of the network.
The DCI said preliminary findings indicate the fraud syndicate may extend beyond Bomet County, with potential links in Kericho, Narok, Kisii and Nyamira counties. Efforts are underway to trace additional suspects believed to be part of the operation.
In a statement, the DCI reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Teachers Service Commission to dismantle criminal networks that exploit job seekers and erode public trust in government institutions.
The agency also issued a caution to the public, urging Kenyans to verify all recruitment information through official TSC channels and warning that the commission does not charge any fees for employment.
