Nairobi Arrest: Forgeries Seized in Fake Health Document Racket

Nairobi, Kenya – Detectives from the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) have arrested 28-year-old Desmond Omollo Ogutu in Nairobi’s Clayworks area, Kasarani following discovery of a cache of counterfeit Port Health stamps, vaccination cards, and forged medical certificates at his residence.

How the Arrest Unfolded

On August 20, 2025, TOCU detectives, acting on credible intelligence, raided Ogutu’s home. The search yielded multiple forged items linked to official health authorities, including:

• Fake Port Health Services stamps for Wilson Airport, and a counterfeit Port Health officer seal.

• Stamps marked “Injectable Polio Vaccine,” “Stamaril Pasteur,” “Gertrude Children’s Hospital,” and “Dr. Desmond Ogutu”.

• 274 blank International Certificates of Vaccination, and 91 single-dose vaccination cards. 

Police Statement & Legal Proceedings

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed Ogutu’s arrest and detailed the seizure in a formal statement. Ogutu was arraigned at Kahawa Law Courts for custodial orders. The session was adjourned after his lawyer failed to join the virtual hearing on time. He remains in custody at Muthaiga Police Station, with the case mentioned next on August 21, 2025. 

Broader Investigations & Links to Smuggling

Ogutu’s arrest is part of a broader crackdown. Preliminary investigations have connected him to forged yellow fever vaccination certificates, recovered from six Somali nationals intercepted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on August 8, 2025, while being smuggled to Libya via Egypt. 

Summary Table