The suspect Brian Kiprotich in court on July 21, 2025./RHODA BOGETA
A Nairobi court has ordered the detention of a suspect linked to a SIM swap fraud syndicate that allegedly targeted a former Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of Central Police Station, Samson Talaam.
The State, through Inspector Nickson Kileunga, applied on Monday, July 21, to have Kiprotich Ronoh Brian held in custody to allow for further investigations into what authorities describe as a complex cybercrime involving identity theft and fraud.
In an affidavit filed before Principal Magistrate Carolyne Nyaguthii, investigators said the suspect unlawfully accessed two mobile numbers registered to Talaam and, together with others, used them to impersonate the police officer and solicit money from the public.
The alleged crimes are being investigated under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act and the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act. Offences under probe include unauthorised interception of computer services, computer fraud, and engaging in organised criminal activity.
According to court documents, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) lodged a complaint on June 19, 2025, after discovering that the two numbers had been fraudulently SIM-swapped.
One of the numbers had already been seized by IPOA on June 15 for forensic examination.
The prosecution told the court that detectives require more time to recover electronic devices, conduct a forensic analysis, and take statements from key witnesses.
They also argued that the suspect poses a flight risk and may interfere with the ongoing probe if released.
While the State had sought a 14-day detention at Muthaiga Police Station, the court instead ordered that the suspect be held at Mbagathi Hospital for seven days to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to complete the investigation
