Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised alarm over what he described as rampant fraud and rising drug abuse in Eldoret, warning that the city has become a hotspot for con artists targeting unsuspecting residents.
Speaking after a high-level security meeting at the Uasin Gishu County Commissioner’s office, Murkomen said Eldoret’s booming economy has attracted fraudsters who are swindling locals of millions of shillings through bogus deals and fake opportunities.
“We have a lot of fraud going on in this city where many students, parents and traders have been conned. We also have a lot of land fraud in this region,” Murkomen said.
He directed regional security agencies to crack down on those behind these scams and ensure they are brought to justice.
“Let’s not allow our people to be easy prey. I urge residents to think twice when a deal seems too good to be true. Always seek legal advice or consult government offices before committing to business or education deals,” the CS advised.
Murkomen attributed the spike in fraudulent activity to the city's thriving business environment, which he said has made it a target for criminals seeking to exploit residents during periods of peak economic activity.
“We even have those who come here during harvest time and defraud the men,” he added, in reference to seasonal con games targeting farmers and casual workers.
One of the most notorious scams in the region remains the Finnish education programme, in which over 30,000 youths and their families were defrauded under the promise of study and job opportunities abroad.
Parents reportedly lost more than Sh1 billion in that scandal alone.
Murkomen emphasised that the government is determined to put a stop to such rackets, warning that shortcuts and get-rich-quick schemes often lead to massive losses and long-term hardship.
In addition to fraud, the Interior CS voiced concern over the increased sale and use of illicit alcohol and hard drugs in the region, particularly among young people.
“There are cartels behind this, and we have resolved to deal with them firmly,” he said, warning that anyone involved in the illegal trade will face the full force of the law.
He also called out individuals who attempt to intimidate security officers with threats of transfers or political interference.
“There are some who are used to threatening security officers with transfers, but I urge our teams to stand firm. No one will be victimised for doing their job,” Murkomen assured.
With new directives in place, authorities in Eldoret are now under pressure to deliver results and restore public confidence in the city’s safety and integrity.
