Kenyans lose millions in military recruitment

Kenyans continue losing millions to fraudsters during the military recruitment exercises, the Department of Defence has said.

DoD spokesman Mr Bongita Ongeri said that in the last recruitment carried out in March this year, 170 cases of fraud were reported where members of the public lost Sh17.2 million.

It was on this note that a military sergeant was Thursday dismissed from service after being found guilty of fraudulently obtaining Sh400,000 from civilians with the promise of recruitment in to the army.

Sergeant Zephania Omae Orenge, formerly of the Moi air Base was further sentenced by the Court Martial to 18 months, a prison term he will serve at the Kamiti Maximum prison.

The sentence was handed down by Judge Advocate Martin Muya - a Nairobi court magistrate appointed by the Chief Justice to preside over the proceedings that commenced on May 27.

The Court Martial Panel consisted of Mr Muya, the presiding officer Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Machasio assisted by Majors John Njenga, Stephen Aboto of the Kenya Navy and Boru Khula of the Kenya Air force.

Mr Orenge had been accused of obtaining Sh 200,000 from Mr Dominic Omboga Momanyi on September and October last year after pretending that he would secure his recruitment in the armed forces.

He also obtained Sh 100,000 from Mr John Gisemba Moturi and another similar amount from Mr Patrick Moranga Mogaka after he pretended that he would influence their recruitment in to the Administration Police.

The accused was represented by lawyer James Nyakundi and Major Samuel Langat while Major Yvonne Kirui prosecuted.

Mr Orenge, who had been stripped off his official cap, was escorted in to the court room by another officer to the court room to await his fate.

After sentencing, he was escorted outside and handcuffed. Tears welled in his eyes on seeing his relatives who were seated quietly in court room.

The convict had served in the army for over 25 years and until his dismissal, he was a grade 1 driver.

The DoD spokesman stated that cases have risen where recruitment candidates present fake academic certificates and national identification cards.

Of the 170 cases reported, Mr Ongeri said, 47 people have been arrested and charged with the offence.

“I cannot deny the fact that we have had some military personnel implicated in the graft but this has been handled in accordance with the Armed Forces Act.

He further stated that it was unfortunate that members of the public continue to fall prey to the fraudsters despite Dod’s efforts in sensitising the public.

He pointed out the most affected areas to be Meru, Nakuru, Nyamira, Makueni, Sotik, Nyeri, Thika and Bureti districts.

So far, four other army officers from Mombasa, Langata and Isiolo have been dismissed from service after being found of the offence.