The court has granted the Directorate of Criminal Investigation seven days to complete investigation into a man accused of impersonating a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) brigadier.
Joshua Mutui Muimi was presented before Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina on Tuesday, where prosecutors asked the court to allow them to detain him for seven more days.
According to the prosecution, Mutui was arrested on Monday evening, November 17, at a furnished apartment in Kilimani, Nairobi. Officers said he was dressed in full Air Force uniform, complete with a name tag identifying him as “M.J. Muimi” and the rank of brigadier.
Prosecutors told the court that Mutui had allegedly been issuing fake calling letters to unsuspecting Kenyans, claiming they were required to report for military training in Eldoret on November 17.
The letters appeared to be from the Ministry of Defence.
“Your Honour, the respondent was issuing calling letters alleged to be from the Ministry of Defence to unsuspecting Kenyans,” the prosecution said. “He directed them to report to a recruitment training school in Eldoret.”
When detectives searched the apartment, they reportedly recovered several items bearing KDF insignia, including six admission letters, seven calling letters all carrying the same serial number, fingerprint forms, a KCSE certificate believed to belong to one of the victims, and a motor vehicle.
Officers also found documents printed with the Ministry of Defence name and logo.
The prosecution argued that Mutui should remain in custody as investigations continue, noting that he has no known permanent residence and had only rented the Kilimani apartment temporarily.
They also told the court he is considered a flight risk.
Ex KDF officer accused of impersonation detained for seven days pending investigations.
Ex KDF officer Joshua Mutui Muimi