Eight individuals posing as witch-doctors and involved in a Sh1.5 million fraud scheme have been arrested in Nairobi.
The suspects, including both men and women, were apprehended after a tip-off from a local resident.
Police continue to investigate the syndicate, which appears to have preyed on unsuspecting victims through fake witchcraft services.
The arrests occurred in two separate locations.
Five suspects two women and three men, including the alleged prime suspect were arrested in Limuru after officers received information from a resident near their rented apartment.
Meanwhile, three others were apprehended earlier in Zimmerman (two men) and Ngara (one woman).
Detectives also impounded a Toyota Prado vehicle used by the suspects, finding an assortment of unusual items including a fake snake, a casket, and a decorated guard, all of which were allegedly used in their fraudulent activities.
Nairobi Central OCPD Stephen Okal confirmed the arrests, stating, “I am waiting for the brief and will issue a statement later with details and identities of the suspects.”
At the time, he declined to provide further information as the investigation was ongoing.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that four of the suspects are Ugandan nationals, raising questions about the cross-border nature of the scam.
The victim, who requested to remain anonymous, shared how he was conned between December 13 and 17, 2024.
He explained that he first came across the suspects’ “witchcraft services” on TikTok.
“I was going through the TikTok app and saw a user who was purporting to be helping people solve their problems,” he recounted.
The victim, trusting the online advertisement, contacted the individual behind the account, who identified himself as “Daktari.”
After sharing his personal details, the victim was then convinced to pay Sh1.5 million for various supposed “spiritual services.”
However, the victim grew suspicious when the scammers demanded an additional Sh4.5 million to finalize the deal.
Realizing he had been scammed, he initially reported the matter to Parklands Police Station, but after receiving no immediate help, he approached Nairobi Central Police, where the case was taken up.
“I reported at Parklands police station but did not get help. I then came to Central Police and they took up the matter,” he said.
As investigations continue, the suspects have been remanded in police custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.
Police are working to uncover more details of the syndicate’s operations and to identify any additional victims
The arrest serves as a reminder of the increasing use of social media platforms like TikTok by fraudsters to exploit vulnerable individuals.
Police urge the public to exercise caution when engaging with online ads, particularly those offering unrealistic promises or services.
