Eldoret police seize Sh45.8m in fake money, arrest suspect

A man was arrested and Sh45.8 million in fake currency seized in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on Monday.

Police said they apprehended Allan Kipruto, 34, after members of the public alerted them, saying they had been suspicious of his business around Annex on the outskirts of Eldoret town.

Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Johnson Ipara said Kipruto was arrested along the Eldoret-Nakuru highway, near Annex.

Upon interrogation, Mr Ipara said, Kipruto led police to a house behind Simba petrol station, where police found fake Kenyan currency, dollars and pounds and machines used to process the fakes.

"Officers on patrol at around 2 am received a tip-off from members of the public who were at a bar. When they arrested the suspect, he led them to a house where Sh45,800,000 was recovered,” he said.

Police also found fake Kenyan currency notes of Sh1,000.

CHARGES

Mr Ipara said police launched a search for Mr Kipruto's accomplices.

He said the suspect will be charged with money laundering and having fake currency as soon as police complete investigations.

The police commander asked farmers and traders in Eldoret town to be wary of conmen circulating fake money.

"We have information that people are conning traders and farmers using fake money. We have been trailing them," he said.

Mr Ipara asked residents to be careful to avoid being conned especially during the festive season.

He said police patrols will be intensified to curb crime during the holidays.