Man 'poses as police chief for five years'

A man has been charged with pretending to be an assistant police commissioner for five years.

Joshua Waiganjo is accused of hiring and sacking officers in Kenya's Rift Valley province during the half-decade he pretended to have the role, BBC News reports.



His alleged impersonation was reportedly uncovered when he used a police helicopter to investigate the murder of 42 police officers by cattle rustlers in the Suguta valley in November.

Waiganjo has pleaded not guilty to two counts of impersonating a police officer, one of illegal possession of police uniforms and one of robbery with violence.

Local media reports that the case was adjourned as Waiganjo sought treatment for diabetes.

Waiganjo's family told the Daily Nation that the local police command was aware of his work.

However, police spokesman Eric Kiraithe maintains that Waiganjo was never paid a salary for his role.