We’ve dealt with Mulot SIM-swap fraudsters — Murkomen

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen speaks during Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Bomet county, August 8, 2025. /MINA

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen says the government has effectively dismantled the notorious Mulot SIM-swap syndicate, long associated with mobile money fraud in parts of Bomet and Narok counties.

While Mulot is known for its economic activity, it has also gained notoriety for being a location where mobile money fraud occurs.

Speaking on Friday during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Bomet county, Murkomen said numerous arrests have been made as a result of sustained operations against the network.

He attributed the success to public awareness campaigns and close cooperation between residents, law enforcement officers, and the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs).

“I’m happy that from where we were two years ago, thanks to national and local sensitisation, many people have now become aware of the dangers of fraudulent characters using mobile phones to scam innocent citizens, particularly women. Women are the most trusting lot and in the process become victims of these scammers,” Murkomen said.

He noted that Bomet is now relatively peaceful with minimal security challenges, but warned that the county has still recorded incidents of gender-based violence (GBV), defilement, rape, stock theft, phone fraud, and the sale of second-generation alcohol and cannabis.

Murkomen said cattle theft, especially along the Bomet–Nyamira border, has reduced significantly due to community involvement, intensified police patrols, and successful recoveries.

“Defilement and rape have been contained through robust prosecution and punishment of perpetrators,” he said, while encouraging NGAOs to enhance community sensitization to root out GBV and other social vices.

The Interior CS added that the crackdown on SIM-swap fraud will continue, with the government working closely with mobile service providers to tighten security systems and close loopholes exploited by criminals.

Present during the security forum were Deputy Inspector General of Police (APS) Gilbert Masengeli, GSU Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, Secretary of National Administration Moses Lilan, Regional Police Commander Jasper Ombati, Regional Administration Police Commander John Amadadi, Acting Bomet County Commissioner Ronald Ratemo and other senior government officials.