Detectives from Lari police station in Lari sub county in Kiambu on Wednesday arrested a middle aged man and recovered bundles of counterfeit Kenya Shillings notes amounting to Sh 68,000 at Nyambari trading center.
It was reported that, the suspect who was identified as Denis Kipyegon had approached an Mpesa shop where he had requested to deposit Sh 10,000.
The detectives said that, upon touching the fake notes, the shop attendant suspected the money was counterfeit.
According to area sub county police commander Emily Ngaruiya, the Mpesa attended also saw the suspect returning some cash in pocket after giving her the alleged Sh 10,000.
She said the attendant became suspicious and used out hotline number and alerted the police.
OCS chief inspector Joshua Nkado acted so fast and sent detectives who arrived shortly and arrested the suspect.
The shop attendant Teresiah Ngwenze said she was shivering as she was ‘buying time” with the suspect, as they waited for the police to arrive.
Traders led by Charles Kiarie applauded Nkado and Ngaruiya for their quick response to the incident.
Kiarie said the two officers are working hard and created a good working relationship with the community to reduce crime in the area.
“We were shocked by the short time the police used to arrive at the scene. As we speak, we do not fear informing them cases where speed is needed. They are responding to our distresses so fast” Kiarie said.
Ngaruiya urged the community to be careful while handling money and especially Sh 1,000, since it is not known to what extent the suspect could have spread the money.
She said detectives have established that the suspect has unsuccessful been trying to approach Mpesa shop with fake currency of Sh 1,000.
The police commander revealed that detectives are holding the suspect at Lari police station where they are also investigation where the fake money could be produced from.
She also said that the suspect will be arraigned in court after investigation are complete.
