Two suspects have been arrested after detectives intercepted counterfeit currency with a face value of KSh6 million during a security operation along the Thika-Garissa Highway.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects, identified as John Safari Mbiti and Erick Njuguna Wambui, were travelling in a black Toyota Vitz, registration number KCY 374M, when they were stopped at a multi-agency roadblock at Kanyonyoo.
The pair was reportedly travelling from Thika towards Kithimani when officers flagged down the vehicle for a routine inspection.
Two Nabbed Transporting Fake KSh6 Million Along Thika-Garissa Highway. Photo: Courtesy
A thorough search of the car led to the discovery of a white carrier bag hidden inside the vehicle.
The bag contained four tightly wrapped bundles concealed beneath layers of khaki paper, aluminium foil and clear tape.
Upon opening the packages, officers recovered counterfeit KSh1,000 notes arranged in four bundles with a combined face value of KSh6 million.
Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects were transporting the fake currency to Wamunyu in Kitui County, where it was allegedly to be handed over to an accomplice for further processing to make it resemble genuine banknotes before being released into circulation.
The two suspects were immediately arrested and escorted to Kanyonyoo Police Station, where they were booked alongside the recovered counterfeit notes.
They remain in police custody as authorities complete investigations ahead of their arraignment in court.
The DCI warned that counterfeit currency poses a significant threat to the country’s economy by undermining public confidence in financial transactions and exposing unsuspecting members of the public to financial losses.
The agency reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks involved in currency counterfeiting and other forms of economic crime through sustained intelligence-led operations.
