Detectives from the Nairobi Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) have arrested a man who impersonated one of their officers and defrauded an Ethiopian refugee of more than Sh3 million by falsely promising to help him obtain Kenyan citizenship.
The suspect, identified as Rev. Richard Macharia Njuguna—associated with the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) in Juja Farm under the Thika South Diocese in Kiambu County—was apprehended at the Overstone Hotel in Ruiru, along the Eastern Bypass.
His arrest followed a complaint filed at the Capitol Hill Police Station in Nairobi, which was later referred to the ATPU for further investigation.
According to investigators, between December 20, 2024, and February 12, 2025, Rev. Njuguna pretended to be an ATPU officer attached to the Directorate of Immigration Services.
During this period, he allegedly convinced the refugee that he could facilitate the acquisition of Kenyan citizenship, fraudulently collecting a total of Sh3,030,500.
Upon his arrest, detectives conducted a search of his residence in Kahawa West and his vehicle.
The operation uncovered several pieces of incriminating evidence, including official-looking documents and wooden stamps bearing the names of various institutions. These included the Chief Magistrate’s office in Nairobi, Kenya Immigration at JKIA, Immigration Control in Busia, the Kenyan Embassy in Somalia, and the Ministry of Lands Head Office, among others.
Rev. Njuguna is currently in custody as processing continues ahead of his court appearance.
Meanwhile, the seized documents and vehicle have been retained as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
