Student Arrested For Impersonating Mike Sonko Pleads For Mercy: "Nilikuwa Natafuta Ya Mboga Na Deni"

• Tyson Kibet, a Kabete Polytechnic student, was arrested after he was found running a fake Facebook account in the name of Mike Sonko
• He argued that he impersonated Sonko because of his popularity and the admiration he enjoys from the public
• He was released on KSh 200,000 cash bail or KSh 1 million bond for impersonating Sonko without his consent

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

A 23-year-old student enrolled at Kabete Polytechnic found himself in hot water after duping numerous unsuspecting Kenyans out of their hard-earned money.

How did Tyson Kibet defraud Kenyans?

Tyson Kibet, the culprit behind the scheme, devised a fraudulent Facebook account under the guise of Mike Sonko, the former governor of Nairobi.

Under the false identity of Sonko, Kibet transformed the fake page into a dating platform, showcasing explicit images of women and soliciting payments from interested men to facilitate connections.

Unknown to Kibet, law enforcement officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) were after him.

He was arrested and charged with cyber-squatting as per Section 28 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act No. 5 of 2018, for impersonating the esteemed politician and tarnishing his reputation without consent.

Kibet admits impersonating Sonko, asks for forgiveness

Upon facing legal proceedings, Kibet confessed to his misdeeds, pleading for leniency and expressing remorse for the harm caused to Sonko's reputation.

He maintained that his actions were not intended to tarnish Sonko's name, but rather stemmed from a desperate need for sustenance while struggling to survive as a student at the college.

"I deeply regret my actions and sincerely apologise for the harm I caused. My intention was never to tarnish your reputation; rather, I selected your name due to its widespread popularity and the admiration you enjoy from many.

I felt driven to resort to such measures out of sheer desperation to obtain money for necessities like food and to address some outstanding debts. I truly regret my choices and assure you that such misconduct will not be repeated," he pleaded.

In a surprising turn of events, Sonko extended compassion towards Kibet, expressing genuine concern for his well-being during his time in custody.

Tyson released on KSh 200k cash bail

Following the legal proceedings, Kibet was granted release on a cash bail of KSh 200,000 or a bond of KSh 1 million.

This incident underscores the persistent challenge Sonko faces from individuals seeking to exploit his identity for fraudulent purposes, preying on unsuspecting citizens.

Kitui politician arrested for impersonating EACC officials

In another story, a former Kitui political aspirant was arrested by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission officers for impersonating senior EACC officials.

Militonic Mwenda was accused of issuing fake integrity certificates to job seekers in exchange for money.

He was also found in possession of a firearm and seven mobile phones which were also seized by the authorities.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

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Tyson Kibet (left frame) faked a Facebook page using Mike Sonko's (right frame) name.

Student Arrested for Impersonating Mike Sonko Pleads for Mercy

VIDEO: Mike Sonko Testifying Against Impersonator In Court