In a sweeping blow to an elaborate identity fraud ring, nine suspects—including five civil registration officers, two brokers, and two foreign nationals—were arraigned at Kahawa Law Courts on charges of unlawfully issuing national identity cards and other critical government documents.
The arrests followed weeks of intensive investigations by a multi-agency team led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU). Detectives allege the group operated a sophisticated scheme that enabled unqualified applicants, including foreigners, to obtain genuine Kenyan IDs through corrupt channels.
Among those charged are National Registration Bureau officers Titus Muasya Nthenge, Judy Kemunto, Festus Bahat Chai, Moses Mogaya, and Ruth Osebe. They appeared alongside alleged brokers Yahya Daudi and Abdikadir Mohamed Dahir, who are accused of acting as middlemen to connect clients with corrupt officials.
Two foreign nationals rounded out the docket: Burundian Mauris Havyarimana and Rwandese Victor Kamanda. A dramatic raid on a Zimmerman residence uncovered damning evidence, including 19 official government stamps, three Kenyan driving licences bearing Kamanda’s photo but different licence numbers, Ugandan ID cards, a Democratic Republic of Congo voter’s card, and other materials linked to the syndicate.
All suspects pleaded not guilty. The court granted each a bond of Ksh500,000 or an alternative cash bail of Ksh50,000, with the requirement of one contact person.
Judy Kemunto, previously released on cash bail, failed to appear, with her lawyer citing her child’s illness. The court ordered her to enter a plea on January 21, 2026.
Prosecutors successfully opposed bond applications for the two foreign nationals, with that matter set for hearing today, January 8, 2026.
Investigations continue as detectives pursue additional suspects believed to be part of the network.
The operation highlights the DCI’s resolve to dismantle identity fraud syndicates and protect the integrity of Kenya’s national registration system.
