Mudavadi’s Press Secretary Salim Swaleh Detained on Fraud Allegations

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi press director Salim Swaleh was taken into custody on Saturday, June 22, facing claims of fraudulent activities.

On Sunday, the office of Mr Mudavadi confirmed the arrest after suspected fraudsters were discovered at the Kenya Railways building having installed counterfeit nameplates on the doors. Strategic Communications Secretary Peter Warutere reveals that a group of fraudsters, working in collusion with government officials, had been exploiting the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary & Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs (OPCS-MFDA) to perpetrate their schemes. The fraudsters’ operations involved posing as VIP guests or high-ranking government officials to lure unsuspecting victims, primarily foreign nationals, to the Railways Building.

Once there, the victims were promised various favours in exchange for bribes under the false pretence that they were meeting with senior government representatives. Following a tip-off, OPCS-MFDA security ramped up surveillance efforts at the Railway Office to disrupt the ongoing impersonation and misuse of the facility. The suspects were meticulously tracked as they entered the building on different dates and times. When apprehended, the officials attempted to bribe their way out of the situation, but their efforts proved futile.

The investigation has uncovered that the arrested government officials had refined a system of “renting” office space to criminals. This involved either vacating their offices for use by the fraudsters or misrepresenting their own identities. In some instances, legitimate nameplates on office doors were replaced with counterfeit ones to facilitate fraudulent activities. Law enforcement agencies are now working diligently to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in this far-reaching conspiracy.

Salim Swaleh was appointed as the Director of Communications in the Office of the Cabinet Secretary in January 2023. His role encompassed developing a comprehensive multi-channel communications strategy, managing media relations, and fostering connections with media houses and influencers. Prior to joining Mudavadi’s press team, Swaleh had served as the ICT, e-government, and public communications chief officer for Nakuru County.