A prison officer attached to Kitui Prison is in police custody after allegedly obtaining money from the family of an inmate by falsely claiming he could facilitate the inmate’s release.
According to information provided by the victim’s family, the suspect allegedly received KSh 13,000 before switching off his mobile phone after the payment was made.
The family further alleges that the officer later contacted another relative and demanded an additional KSh 70,000, claiming the money would secure the inmate’s release.
Instead of sending the additional money, the family alerted officers at Kitui Police Station and coordinated a meeting with the suspect.
The suspect was reportedly arrested at Kitui Total Petrol Station while allegedly going to collect the KSh 70,000. He was subsequently taken to Kitui Police Station, where the matter was formally reported and investigations commenced.
An Occurrence Book (OB) report, No. 67/26/6/2026, dated June 26, 2026, and seen by Channel 15 News, confirms that the matter was officially reported to Kitui Police Station.
Police are now expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged fraud, including whether other members of the public may have fallen victim to a similar scheme.
The public has been warned against sending money to individuals claiming they can influence the release of inmates or offer unofficial services within correctional facilities. Authorities advise anyone approached with such demands to report the matter to the nearest police station immediately.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue. No formal charges had been announced at the time of publication.
