Amos Robi
In a significant crackdown on fraud, Julius Gacheru Wangari, a 30-year-old con artist, has been arrested for allegedly scamming high-profile individuals by impersonating journalists and show hosts. His victims include a Principal Secretary, a prominent businessman, and a high-ranking director at Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC).
Wangari, also known as Chris, was apprehended at his hideout in the Zambezi area of Kikuyu, Kiambu County. He posed as a journalist from the popular ‘Situation Room’ show, reaching out to guests with fabricated stories to dupe them into sending money.
Investigators revealed that Wangari crafted a facade of familiarity by sending ‘thank you’ messages to affluent guests after each show, using these communications as a prelude to his deceitful schemes. Leveraging insider knowledge, he built credibility with his targets before executing his cons.
Among those tricked were officials from various sectors, including an official from the Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya. Each victim was manipulated into sending money after Wangari claimed to be in urgent need of funds.
Upon his arrest, Wangari claimed to hold a diploma in journalism from a Kenyan media institution and mentioned prior employment at a religious FM radio station. Authorities recovered crucial evidence, including SIM cards used for sending messages and receiving the funds he swindled from his victims.