DCI clarifies arrest of 7 in fake ambulance tender case

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters/HANDOUT

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued a clarification following the arrest and arraignment of seven suspects accused of defrauding foreign investors.

In a press statement dated March 20, 2026, the DCI said the suspects were arrested on March 10 after detectives established that they had illegally accessed a boardroom on the 12th floor of Harambee House and posed as government officials to lure victims into a fictitious tender.

According to the agency, the suspects allegedly impersonated officials from the Ministry of Interior, National Treasury and Ministry of Health and convinced two foreign nationals representing a Swedish firm—to participate in a purported government procurement deal for the supply of 500 ambulances.

The DCI said investigations show the scheme began on January 10, 2026, when one of the victims received an unsolicited WhatsApp message from an individual who later connected him to another suspect who presented himself as a consultant working with government entities.

According to DCI, the victim subsequently travelled to Kenya on January 26, where he was received at the airport and taken to Harambee House, allegedly with the assistance of an accomplice who facilitated access past security checkpoints.

While at the premises, the DCI said, the victim was reportedly introduced to individuals posing as officials from the Treasury and Ministry of Health and presented with documents described by investigators as forged, including a pre-qualification certificate purportedly signed by senior government officials.

"The suspects are said to have offered two business packages priced at USD 90,000 and USD 110,000. The victim opted for the higher package and transferred USD 110,000 on January 30 to an account held by a law firm. A further USD 360,750 was later transferred under the pretext of insurance, bringing the total amount allegedly obtained to USD 470,750," DCI said.

The DCI said that at the time of arrest, the suspects were allegedly demanding an additional USD 1,080,000 in instalments, prompting the victims to return to Kenya, where they were again taken to Harambee House and later met individuals who were subsequently arrested.

According to the DCI, seven suspects were named in the statement.

The DCI said six of them were not government employees, while one had previously worked for the Ministry of Public Service but had no current role in government.

The agency stated that the individual allegedly facilitated access to the boardrooms but did not hold any position at Harambee House or within the Ministry of Interior.

According to the DCI, all seven were arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts on March 16, 2026, and charged with conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, acquisition of proceeds of crime and forgery.

They pleaded not guilty and were released on bond of Sh5 million each or an alternative cash bail of Sh300,000 with two sureties.

"Their passports were surrendered, and the case is scheduled for mention on April 1, 2026," DCI stated.

In the statement, the DCI said no serving government official or employee of the Ministry of Interior was involved in the alleged scheme.

The agency also cautioned members of the public and international investors, stating that legitimate government tenders are advertised through official channels and do not require upfront payments, insurance fees or deposits to private accounts.

The DCI said it would continue working with other agencies to dismantle organised fraud networks and pursue recovery of the funds through legal means.