Police have arrested a group of 10 youths suspected of harassing members of the business community and the entire public in Eldoret Town and its outskirts, demanding money by force.

According to the County Police Commander (CPC), Benjamin Mwanthi, the suspects were arrested following reports by the public that there was a group of suspected people armed with pangas and other crude weapons, threatening the lives of the business operators.

He said the security officers continue to be vigilant in promoting safety and curbing individuals involved in insecurity cases across the county.

“We conducted an operation, and we were able to arrest over 10 people who were involved, and they are currently being held for questioning pending arraignment in court,” he said.

Further, the police commander urged business people to report any individual who is tormenting or has an intention of extorting money from them to go ahead and report the matter to the nearest police station, county government enforcement, or NGAO.

He also warned the public against an emerging trend where scammers posing as agents of overseas employment opportunities lure unsuspecting people, especially graduates seeking employment, but in return, end up robbed of their valuables like computers, phones, and others.

He recalled an incident where a nurse trainee in Eldoret was lured by scammers who obtained her contact information from social media.

 They convinced her to apply for a job outside the country but withheld her application overnight due to a system failure. Later, they stole seven laptops from the trainee and friends.

“ He went ahead and convinced the student to bring the laptop for the application to take place. The suspects continued with their tricks, where they complained the laptop was not meeting the specifications for the application,” he explained.