Why Gikomba is trending

Gikomba market is trending after the arrest of a father-and-son duo accused of orchestrating a Sh236,000 mobile money fraud targeting M-Pesa agents in the bustling local market in Nairobi.

The suspects, a 49-year-old father and his 23-year-old son, were apprehended at their hideout in Komarock’s Nyama Villa estate.

Their arrest followed a digital trail uncovered by Shauri Moyo-based detectives, linking them to a fraudulent transaction carried out on September 2, 2025.

According to police reports, the two had been “milking M-Pesa shops dry” by exploiting mobile money systems using a mix of genuine and fake credentials.

“We recovered used and unused SIM cards, ID cards, agent and paybill numbers from Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom, as well as laptops and smartphones believed to have been used in the scheme,” said a statement from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

Investigators believe the father was the mastermind behind the operation, having groomed his son into the illicit trade.

“It is clear from our findings that the father introduced his son to the con game and trained him to defraud unsuspecting M-Pesa operators,” said a detective involved in the case.

The duo is suspected to be part of a wider syndicate targeting mobile money dealers across Nairobi.

Police say the syndicate uses stolen identities and cloned SIM cards to impersonate legitimate agents and siphon funds from mobile money tills.

“Both suspects are currently in custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment,” the police confirmed.

“We are actively pursuing other members of the syndicate believed to be operating in various parts of the city.”

The arrest has sparked renewed concern over the vulnerability of mobile money platforms and the need for tighter agent verification protocols.

As investigations continue, authorities are urging mobile money agents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity promptly.

Cases of fraud targeting mobile money users have been on the rise across the country, with authorities frequently warning the public to remain vigilant.

Recently, on September 6, 2025, two suspects posing as Safaricom agents were arrested in Watamu after a failed attempt to defraud a businessman of his M-Pesa funds.

Police said the duo had been roaming around Timboni and nearby areas, targeting traders by persuading them to register for Till Numbers and Pochi La Biashara services.

Fraudsters often disguise themselves as genuine service providers, luring unsuspecting individuals into sharing sensitive details or signing up for fraudulent services.

Safaricom has also cautioned Kenyans to be on high alert against such scams.

In an advisory on its website, the firm notes:

“Fraudsters are getting smarter and bolder. They may appear online, on the phone, or even at your doorstep, pretending to be Safaricom personnel or other firms.