Detectives are investigating an incident in which a man from Migori is accused of impersonating Supreme Court Judge Justice William Ouko.
The suspect, Oduor Leakey Amolloh, is accused of fraudulently soliciting bribes from members of the public, in the pretext that he is Justice Ouko, and could influence employment in government agencies.
Amolloh was on Friday, December 15, 2023, presented before a Senior Resident's Magistrate's Court at Kiambu Law Courts by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers to answer the allegations.
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Amolloh was arrested on December 8, 2023, in Migori County and presented before the Court on December 11, 2023, under Miscellaneous Criminal Application No E472/2023.
The DCI asked for three days to complete their investigation hence his appearance today.
"On 24th November 2023, Justice William Ouko, Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya received information that a mobile number (withheld) purporting to be his mobile number was being used to defraud members of the public in the pretext that he could influence public employment. Using Justice Ouko's name he also solicited and received money from unsuspecting victims. The Judge made a report to the police and upon recording a statement, investigations commenced," Judiciary's Directorate of Public Affairs and Communications stated.
Investigations indicate that five people located in various parts of the country have fallen victim to such fraud, who are now being traced to record statements.
Amolloh maintains residences in Nairobi, Kakamega, and Migori where he is suspected of conducting his fraud schemes.
The police sought and obtained court orders to search these locations for any evidence relevant to the ongoing investigation.
"Investigations, according to one DCI officer's affidavit, have also indicated that the suspect has residences in the counties of Nairobi, Kakamega and Migori, from where he is suspected to be operating his fraudulent activities. Police sought court orders to enable them to search the residences to recover any exhibit that may be relevant to the ongoing investigations," the statement read further.
Among the documents set to be presented as evidence are letters, purportedly from various institutions, offering employment in the name of Justice Ouko.
Additionally, the court directed the DCI to transport Amolloh to Kisumu, where most of the alleged crimes occurred, for arraignment at the Kisumu Law Courts on December 19, 2023.
"Following an application, the Court gave an order that the Respondent be detained in the custody of the DCI for a final period of 3 days from today to allow them to conclude their investigations and also transport him to Kisumu where most of the crimes he allegedly committed happened. The Court directed the DCI to arraign him at Kisumu Law Courts on 19th December 2023," the Judiciary added.
Court cautions public
The Judiciary's Directorate of Public Affairs and Communications cautioned the public, noting that judges do not seek favours or engage in such activities.
Citizens are urged to verify any information or request claiming to emanate from a judge with the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary. The public is also advised to exercise vigilance and caution against individuals invoking the names of judges, judicial officers, and staff for personal gain.
