There have been more instances of street beggars in Malindi acting as disabled individuals, and many have been caught attempting to solicit money from unsuspecting citizens.
The high number of forgers has aroused anxiety among locals, with representatives of individuals with disabilities accusing security authorities of incompetence.
There have recently been reports of Tanzanian nationals posing as PWDs and being supported by anonymous brokers who pay them a monthly fee to solicit money from people on the streets of Malindi.
Thima Abu, a village elder in the Shella area and a representative of persons living with disabilities in Malindi, told journalists outside the Malindi police station after two 'beggars' were apprehended that she had received any information a long time ago but didn't have the evidence until recently when she pursued an 11-year-old child who gave out the information.
Fearful, the child mentioned his collaborators, who operate under false pretences throughout the town. Thima also encountered another beggar in a wheelchair who made alarming confessions during a police investigation.
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She confessed that she is from Tanzania, where she was transported, and has an agent overseeing the entire business.
The perpetrator further stated that they get paid KES 5000 per month for their services. Jessica Daniel Daudi, one of the Tanzanian beggars without travel documents, admitted that she had a boss who provided accommodation for her and her brother in exchange for them going to the street to beg and giving the money to the boss, who paid them KES 5,000 monthly.
Victrine Nyamolo, a former nominated MCA representing individuals with disabilities in the Kilifi County Assembly, urged the government to take action against those who pose as disabled people and take advantage of them.
