The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has found itself in the eye of a social media storm after issuing a "wanted" notice that promised a "significant cash reward" without specifying the amount, triggering a wave of skepticism and ridicule from a public weary of empty promises.

In the high-stakes world of bounty hunting, clarity is currency. Yet, the DCI’s latest appeal for information regarding a notorious cybercrime suspect has failed the basic test of transparency. By refusing to attach a shilling figure to the reward, the agency has inadvertently shifted the conversation from the severity of the crime to the credibility of the institution itself. In a country where "facilitation fees" often evaporate before reaching the intended recipient, "significant" is interpreted not as a promise, but as a loophole.

"Significant is Not a Figure"

The uproar began immediately after the DCI posted the suspect’s image on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook on Wednesday morning. The individual is accused of masterminding a series of digital heists targeting local financial institutions. The poster urged citizens to report via the toll-free hotline 0800 722 203 or the #FichuaKwaDCI WhatsApp line 0709 570 000.

Kenyans, however, were quick to poke holes in the vagueness of the offer. "Define significant," demanded one user, @NairobiHawk. "Is it a loot bag of tea leaves or enough to buy a plot in Ruai? We don’t accept generic valuations anymore." Another commentator noted, "In this economy, a significant reward could mean the DCI paying for my bus fare to the station to record the statement. Put a price on his head or we assume the budget is zero."

The Trust Deficit

This reaction is symptomatic of a deeper trust deficit between the public and law enforcement. Previous instances where whistleblowers claimed they were never compensated have fueled a cynicism that hampers intelligence gathering. Security analysts argue that specific figures—like the millions offered by the US Department of State for terror suspects—psychologically motivate informants by quantifying the risk-to-reward ratio.

"A reward is a contract," explains security consultant George Musamali. "When you say significant, you are asking the public to take a gamble. You are asking them to risk their safety for a subjective valuation. If the suspect is worth capturing, he is worth a specific price tag. Transparency builds confidence."

The Cybercrime Epidemic

Lost in the memes and mockery is the gravity of the threat. The suspect is alleged to be part of a syndicate that has siphoned millions from unsuspecting Kenyans through SIM-swap fraud and phishing attacks. The banking sector has been bleeding cash to these digital bandits, with the Communications Authority of Kenya reporting a 40% spike in cyber threats in the last quarter of 2025.

The DCI’s cybercrime unit is under immense pressure to deliver results. Yet, their communication strategy appears to be undermining their operational goals. By failing to professionalize the bounty process, they risk alienating the very "wananchi" whose eyes and ears they desperately need.

As the suspect remains at large, likely emboldened by the online distraction, the DCI faces a choice: put a price on the table or watch their "significant" lead turn into a significant failure. Until then, Kenyans remain unimpressed, their tips withheld until the government learns to speak the language of specificity.