Suspected Serial Facebook Fraudster Arrested in Thika

Detectives in Thika, Kiambu County have arrested a serial online fraudster who has been conning unsuspecting Kenyans of their hard-earned cash.

Justin Mwirigi Murungi, who has been swindling unsuspecting clients through a non-existing online gas cylinder shop, was arrested by detectives following complaints filed by some of his victims.

One of his victims Robert Isiche Mzee, a resident of Lang’ata in Nairobi, lost Sh100,000 after making a deal with the suspect to supply him with gas cylinders.

Mzee, who wanted to set up a gas vending business within Kamulu area, was shopping online for a place to source the cylinders when he came across a Facebook page advertising the exact business in November last year.

The page, which goes by the name Heritage Gas Wholesalers, had information detailing the business as dealing with gas cylinders, with several brands of cooking gas displayed. It also had a contact number and the contact person's name given as Kelvin Mwangi.

After double-checking the page, Mzee dialed the number and was assured of the availability of the gas cylinders and that the company would deliver from their warehouse located along Lumumba road, Makupa in Mombasa County.

Mzee placed an order of 60 gas cylinders at a total cost of Sh354,000 and the suspect sent a quotation and requested him to pay a commitment fee of Sh118,000 for the processing to be fast-tracked.

After brief negotiations, he accepted to reduce the commitment fee to Sh100,000 since Mzee was going to purchase the products in bulk. 

On December 3rd, 2021, Mzee transferred Sh100,000 via MPesa to the suspect’s number and would complete the payment upon delivery of the cylinders.  

Days passed without Mzee receiving the products as earlier agreed, and whenever he called, the suspect would give flimsy excuses as to why the cylinders had not been delivered.  He eventually failed to pick Mzee’s calls and later blocked him completely.

The victim made a report at Lang’ata Police station, leading to the arrest of the suspect within Thika Township. A copy of a national ID card with the name of Kelvin Brian Mwangi was also recovered from the suspect.

Murungi, 32, has since been charged with conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretense, among other charges.

Anyone who may have fallen victim to the suspect has been requested to visit DCI Lang’ata and file their complaints.