Shock in Nakuru as more victims reveal losing life savings in fake SHA insurance registration scam

The fake Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance scam that shocked Nakuru County has taken a new twist, with more victims coming forward just a day after an exposé by Citizen TV revealed how fraudsters duped unsuspecting residents.

Among those affected is 61-year-old Lucy Wanjeri Gikonyo from Kabazi in Subukia, who says she lost Ksh 269,000 her life savings to a group of con artists masquerading as SHA officials.

“They told me they were registering people for SHA,” Gikonyo recounted. “When I said I couldn’t afford the full annual fee, they assured me I could pay in installments. I trusted them and that’s how I fell into their trap.”

According to Gikonyo, the syndicate comprising two men and two women wore branded uniforms and carried official-looking documents. After collecting her personal details, they allegedly accessed her M-Pesa and M-Shwari accounts, withdrawing the money within hours.

Another victim, Ezekiel Mwangi from Kabatini in Bahati, told police he was stopped by the group posing as government officers from Kerugoya.

“They introduced themselves as SHA registration officers,” Mwangi said. “I can still recognize them today.”

Mwangi’s wife, Lucy Njambi, said she became suspicious when she noticed irregularities in the paperwork her husband received. “The documents looked off. When I checked closely, I knew something was wrong,” she said.

Police at Kiuguini Station in Bahati and Central Police Station in Nakuru East have confirmed that four main suspects linked to the fraud are now in custody as detectives pursue additional leads.

Authorities say several residents across Nakuru County have filed complaints, and efforts are underway to trace more victims and recover stolen funds.

Both Gikonyo and Mwangi expressed relief following the arrests, saying they hope justice will be served.

“I just want my money back,” Gikonyo said. “And I hope no one else goes through what we did.”

Police have urged the public to verify the credentials of individuals claiming to represent government agencies, especially in registration exercises, to avoid falling prey to similar scams.