Person of interest linked to fraudulent milk purchase arrested
Police in Kadzandani, Mombasa, have arrested a person of interest and recovered over 1,500 cartons of milk following a major fraud investigation that has exposed a complex scheme targeting the dairy sector.
The operation, carried out on July 19, 2025, came after Mayford Investment’s Mombasa Depot flagged suspicious transactions from a new client, leading to swift action by law enforcement.
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According to Agnes Waraba, the company’s Sales and Marketing Officer, the fraud was uncovered after monitoring irregular orders made between July 5 and 18, 2025. During this period, a client identified as Geoffrey Gema Waweru placed multiple large milk orders totalling Ksh1,855,400.
“Agnes Waraba, Sales and Marketing Officer at Mayford Investment’s Mombasa Depot, reported the scam after noticing suspicious orders from a new client, Geoffrey Gema Waweru. Between 5 and 18 July, Waweru placed multiple large orders for milk stock totalling Ksh 1,855,400,” read the NPS statement dated July 20, 2025.
However, instead of using official payment channels, Waweru reportedly sent falsified M-Pesa payment confirmations from an Airtel number, which did not correspond to Mayford Investment’s transaction records. The forged messages raised red flags, prompting the company to collaborate with police in setting up a sting operation.
Arrest and recovery
On July 19, Mayford Investment arranged for a final delivery of 150 cartons of milk to Mtopanga, Kadzandani, under police surveillance. Officers trailed the delivery vehicle and arrested the person of interest immediately after she received the consignment.
“On 19 July, Mayford Investment coordinated with police after scheduling a final delivery of 150 cartons of milk to Mtopanga, Kadzandani. Officers trailed the delivery truck and arrested Susan Mawiya upon receipt of the consignment,” read the post.
Following the arrest, Mawiya led officers to two single-room houses, where they recovered 1,555 cartons of milk valued at Ksh960,232. The discovery of such a significant stockpile revealed the magnitude of the scam and pointed to a well-organised operation aimed at defrauding dairy distributors.
“Susan later led police to two single-room houses, where officers recovered 1,555 cartons of milk valued at Ksh960,232,” detailed the post.
The milk has since been secured as police intensify investigations to trace the whereabouts of Geoffrey Gema Waweru, who remains at large. Authorities believe Waweru is a central figure in the fraudulent procurement scheme.
“An investigation is underway to locate Geoffrey Gema Waweru and identify other suspects linked to the fraudulent procurement scheme,” read the NPS statement.
Dairy sector surveillance
The incident has triggered fresh concerns over security gaps in Kenya’s dairy supply chain, particularly regarding digital payment verification processes.
Police say efforts are ongoing to identify other individuals connected to the scam and dismantle the entire fraud network. The National Police Service has vowed to leave no stone unturned in pursuing the suspects and safeguarding businesses from similar crimes.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging businesses to conduct thorough verification of payment transactions and remain vigilant against fraudsters exploiting digital platforms for illicit gains.
The National Police Service confirmed the arrest and recovery, reiterating their commitment to combating economic crimes that threaten local businesses.
