Angry Mob Nearly Attacks Suspected M-Pesa Fraudster in Khalaba,Mayinya village
Tension gripped Mayinya village in the Khalaba area of Bungoma County after a suspected student fraudster narrowly escaped harm from furious locals.
The young man allegedly walked into an M-Pesa outlet requesting Ksh 7,000 be loaded onto his phone with a promise to return with cash payment, only to slip away without settling the amount. Quick action by the shop attendant prevented his immediate escape, sparking a confrontation that drew a growing crowd of upset residents.
Village Manager Bryson Barasa Sasita intervened promptly, detaining the suspect while reaching out to his parents in Trans Nzoia and alerting local police. The Officer Commanding Station from Bungoma arrived swiftly to rescue the individual from the gathering mob, allowing for proper investigations to proceed. Sasita emphasized the need for calm as authorities handle the matter through official channels.
M-Pesa agent George Skuku recounted how the suspect tricked him into loading the funds before bolting. Skuku managed to pursue and apprehend the youth, returning him to the shop until officers took custody. He warned fellow agents about similar past incidents in the area, urging them to insist on cash upfront before processing any transactions to avoid falling victim to such schemes.
Local Mashambani Chairman John Bitonyake strongly condemned the rising wave of M-Pesa fraud targeting businesses in the region. He called on the government to bolster security measures protecting traders and encouraged all service providers to exercise greater vigilance with customers. Area leaders continue to appeal for community cooperation as police pursue further inquiries into the attempted scam.
