Bomet Municipal Boss Names Fake Revenue Officers Targeting Traders

Bomet Municipal Board Manager Davis Langat has exposed a syndicate posing as county revenue officials and defrauding traders and developers in Bomet Town.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Municipal Board offices, Langat named three individuals alleged to be behind the scheme, saying they have been targeting construction sites and business premises.

He revealed that several traders and developers have already lost hundreds of thousands of shillings after being duped into paying fake clearance fees for construction projects.

“Several developers have fallen victim, and we want to warn traders not to pay money to anyone who cannot properly identify themselves as authorized municipal officers,” Langat said.

According to the municipal manager, the suspects have gone to great lengths to appear legitimate, including acquiring badges and uniforms closely resembling those of genuine municipal and revenue officials.

“They have mastered the art of impersonation. Their uniforms and badges make it easy for unsuspecting traders to fall into their trap,” he added.

To curb the fraud, Langat announced that construction site clearances will only be handled by designated officers and strictly conducted at municipal offices in Bomet Town or Sotik.

“Anyone seeking clearance to start construction should physically visit our offices in Bomet or Sotik and consult the officers officially tasked with approving new developments,” he said.

Langat further disclosed that the names of the suspects have been forwarded to the police and a manhunt has been launched, with the individuals facing charges of impersonation once arrested.

The crackdown follows numerous complaints from traders who reported being harassed and coerced into making illegal payments.

He noted that some of the suspects have been illegally collecting revenue and parking fees in broad daylight and have established a network so intimidating that even legitimate municipal staff fear confrontation due to threats.

Issuing a stern warning, Langat urged the suspects to surrender, saying their “days are numbered.”

He also cautioned traders against paying revenue to strangers, stressing that any trader who makes payments to the fraudsters will still be required to remit the correct fees to the county through official channels.

“There will be no excuses,” he warned.