Kiambu,
Wednesday, 12 June, 2024
McCreadie Andias
Police have arrested a 30-year-old man for impersonating TV and Radio hosts to siphon money from unsuspecting Media guests.
Julius Gacheru Wangari popular know as Chris was arrested at his home in Zambezi area of Kikuyu in Kiambu County, in possession of digital communications devices including two mobile phones which he has been using to defraud his victims.
Gacheru is accused of masquerading as Spice FM’s Eric Latiff, who hosts the four-hour morning show “The situation room” alongside Scholar Nduh Okoh and Political Strategist and scientist Charles Muga. The four host dignitaries and politicians to discuss national issues.
In his fake stances, Gacheru reaches out to the high prolific guests including politicians, businessmen and influencers sending them ‘thank you’ messages to after every show, but just as a pick up line before embarking soliciting for financial favors.
DCI disclosed that Latiff filed a formal complaint (DCI) on May 28, 2024. The statement detailed the suspect’s contact information leading to a manhunt that resulted in the suspect’s arrest arrest.
Some of the victims to Gacheru’s fraudulent acts include a Principal Secretary, a renowned businessman and politician, a high ranking director at KPLC, an official at Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya among others.
The said victims reported to Latiff that they were contacted via WhatsApp using an Airtel number between November 2023 and April 2024.
Upon arrest and brief interrogation, the suspect alleged to be a diploma holder in journalism from a renowned media institution in the country, and previuosly working with a religious FM radio.
Crucial evidence including the SIM cards used to send messages to targeted victims and receive the solicited money was found on him, and have since being surrendered to the Digital Forensic Laboratory for analysis.
Gacheru was arraigned before Milimani Principal Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe on Monday, June 10, where police were granted permission to detain him for seven days for further investigations.