Kenyan Duo Charged With Cyber Squatting After Ipersonating Top Government Officials

Two suspects have been arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts in Nairobi for allegedly creating fake social media accounts impersonating senior government officials in a sophisticated cyber squatting and impersonation scam targeting Kenyans.

Tony Blair Okello, a university student, and Tyson Odhiambo Otieno were arrested in Tuuti and Namachanja areas of Bungoma County in a joint operation by cybercrime detectives and local police.

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The duo is accused of violating Section 28 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act — which addresses the offence of cyber squatting — and Section 393 of the Penal Code for conspiracy to commit a felony.

According to investigators from the DCI Cybercrime Unit, the two created counterfeit social media accounts purporting to represent Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, using them to solicit money from unsuspecting members of the public.

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“The fake accounts looked extremely credible. Some even had verified badges. Victims were convinced they were interacting with real officials,” said Inspector John Kiptoo, lead investigator with the Cybercrime Unit.

Tyson, described by detectives as “tech-savvy and highly manipulative,” is believed to be the mastermind of a wider network of online fraudsters. He reportedly opened multiple impersonation accounts, trained others on how to use them, and sold them for a fee.

“He built a system where people could buy ready-made scam accounts. One of his recruits was Tony Blair Okello,” added Inspector Kiptoo.

Tony allegedly used one of these accounts to impersonate PS Omollo, misleading Kenyans with promises of government jobs, contract tenders, and bursaries.

One victim from Nairobi, who lost Sh15,000, spoke to The Daily Whistle on condition of anonymity.

“The account had updates, photos, and even followed other government profiles. It was only when I called the ministry that I realized I had been conned,” the victim said.

Magistrate Agnes Mwangi, presiding over the case, termed the duo’s actions as “a threat to national digital trust” and ordered both to be released on a cash bail of Sh35,000 each. The matter is set for mention on April 28.

Officials at the Communications Authority of Kenya are now urging Kenyans to remain vigilant when engaging with social media accounts claiming to be public officials.

“Always verify such profiles through official websites or helplines. Government officials do not request money via social media,” said Mercy Kirui, CAK’s public engagement officer.

The DCI is continuing investigations to determine whether more suspects are involved in the impersonation ring.

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