Two men were on Tuesday arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts and charged with cyber squatting and conspiracy to commit a felony after allegedly creating fake social media accounts in the names of top government officials, with the intent to defraud unsuspecting Kenyans.
Tony Blair Okello, a university student, and Tyson Odhiambo Otieno, described by investigators as "tech-savvy" and the mastermind of the operation, were arrested in Bungoma County. Okello was nabbed in Tuuti, while Otieno was apprehended in the Namachanja area following a coordinated operation by cybercrime investigators.
The prosecution told the court that the duo had created fake social media profiles purporting to be official accounts of senior government figures, including the Principal Secretary for Interior, Dr. Raymond Omollo. Through these accounts, they allegedly engaged in deceptive schemes targeting members of the public.
According to investigators, Otieno is believed to have been operating a network of such accounts, which he reportedly sells to individuals after training them in social media manipulation and fraud. Okello is alleged to be one of his “students” who took over the operation of a fake account impersonating PS Omollo.
The suspects were charged under Section 28 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, which prohibits cyber squatting—the practice of registering, trafficking in, or using an internet domain name or account with bad faith intent to profit from the goodwill of someone else's name. They also face charges under Section 393 of the Penal Code for conspiracy to commit a felony.
Senior Resident Magistrate Caroline Muthoni released the two on a cash bail of KSh 35,000 each. The case is scheduled for mention on April 28, 2025, when further directions will be given.
Authorities have since urged members of the public to remain vigilant online and verify the authenticity of any social media communication, especially when dealing with government representatives or offers that appear too good to be true.
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