A social media user impersonating Karatina University Vice-Chancellor Prof Mucai Muchiri has swindled thousands of shillings from gullible Kenyans by pretending that he could offer them jobs.
The suspect, who is still at large, runs a Facebook account bearing Prof Muchiri’s image, as well as background and past photos of his life at Karatina University. The university raised the alarm following complaints from some people that they have been conned.
The management announced that: “The university wishes to bring to your attention that there is/are an impersonator(s) who is/are masquerading as the Vice Chancellor for Karatina University Prof Mucai Muchiri on social media platform, specifically Facebook”.
The notice further warned that: “The impersonator(s) has/have currently set up a profile on Facebook under the name Mucai Muchiri complete with a profile picture of the Vice Chancellor in academic regalia from a past graduation event. They have also posted pictures of other events attended by the Vice Chancellor”.
The suspect posted job opportunities and encouraged people to send him their curriculum vitaes for job consideration, later calling them to ask for money for their applications to be processed. Berine Ouma claims that the impostor asked her for money when she sought his help in landing a job. But when she questioned the purpose of the money, the ‘faceless man’ blocked her. Alice Muthungu on the other hand demanded a one-on-one meeting before parting with her hard-earned money. She too was ejected from the platform.
Selassie George too was blocked when he started asking questions.
The university says its advertising platforms remain the official website and local media.
“The university is therefore alerting the public not to respond to any requests made through the said impersonator(s). In the meantime, the university is pursuing legal means of stopping this unfortunate incident from continuing,” the notice read in part.
