Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested Elias Kemboi Korir of Woman and Youth Against Aids and Poverty (WAYAAP) Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).

In a statement, DCI revealed that the officers arrested Kemboi at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on December 17 while attempting to flee the country.

According to DCI, Kemboi is a serial fraudster, who has been on police radar for involvement in multiple frauds against business enterprises.

“Being a key official in the NGO that poses as a charity organization out to support the vulnerable in the society, Kemboi has been using his office to reach out to people and entities with enticing tender offers, only to disappear with the deliveries once the supplies are received,” DCI said.

In one of the exposed fraud cases, Elias Kemboi and his accomplice identified as Halima Samson Mwongela, who is also an official at WAYAAP, conspired to defraud three suppliers of goods worth over Ksh32.8 million.

The two alleged that the goods were being procured for distribution as aid to vulnerable people.

After the delivery was made, the officials of the NGO instead offered them for sale in the local market and then became elusive.

The companies’ attempts to recover their goods or money were met with intimidation and frustration, prompting them to report the matter to DCI Headquarters.

The Operation Support Unit took up the case and launched a manhunt for the NGO team that had gone into hiding.

Upon learning that investigators were closing in, the ringleader, a repeat offender, plotted an escape plan.

However, DCI said Elias Kemboi was arrested on Wednesday afternoon at JKIA and is now locked up behind bars.

“He will be arraigned today at the Milimani Law Courts,” DCI said.

The Investigative has encouraged members of the public or business entities who may have fallen victims of the rogue NGO and its officials to get in touch with DCI Headquarters for assistance.