A Nairobi court has ordered the detention of Kiprotich Ronoh Brian, a suspect accused of orchestrating a SIM swap fraud scheme that targeted former Central Police Station OCS, Samson Talaam.
On Monday, July 21, Inspector Nickson Kileunga, representing the State, requested the court to detain Ronoh as detectives continue investigating what they describe as a highly organized cybercrime operation involving identity theft and financial scams.
According to an affidavit filed before Principal Magistrate Carolyne Nyaguthii, Ronoh and his accomplices allegedly gained unauthorized access to two mobile phone numbers registered in Talaam’s name. They are said to have stolen the identities to impersonate the top officer and demand money from unsuspecting members of the public.
The matter is being investigated under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act and the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act, focusing on crimes of unauthorized interception of computer services, computer fraud, and participating in organized criminal activity.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) called for the investigation after filing a complaint on June 19, 2025. IPOA had also seized one of the hacked phones on June 15 for forensic examination, which revealed traces of identity theft and prompted further examination of the suspected network of fraud.
The complaint came from Taalam himself, who claimed his phone, which was supposed to be in IPOA’s custody, was being used to con his family and associates.
Ksh80K SIM Swap Scam Targeting Lawyer Cliff Ombeta
The defence team told the court that the phone in question had been used to solicit money from the public, including high-profile individuals like lawyer Cliff Ombeta.
“Your honour, we have credible evidence that individuals, including respected lawyer Ombeta, have received messages from Talaam’s number requesting money,” defence counsel Danstan Omari said.
He explained that Ombeta was specifically asked to send Ksh80,000 by an unknown caller using Talaam’s phone.
“The phone is being used for fundraising with claims that the OCS is in trouble and needs financial help,” Omari added.
Prosecutors told the court that detectives need additional time to recover electronic equipment, conduct forensic examination, and take statements from key witnesses.
They also warned that Ronoh could flee or tamper with evidence if released on bail, describing him as a potential flight risk.
While the prosecution had requested the suspect to be remanded in police custody for 14 days at Muthaiga Police Station, the court instead directed Ronoh to be held for seven days.
