BUSIA, Kenya — Police in Nambale Sub-County, Busia County, have initiated a manhunt for a Ugandan herbalist accused of defrauding over ten residents of more than Ksh 1.7 million within a span of less than three weeks.
The suspect is also alleged to have threatened his victims with a “magic snake” should they report him to authorities.
The individual, believed to be from Mbale in eastern Uganda, was reportedly arrested previously but released on a police cash bail of Ksh 15,000.
Law enforcement resumed the manhunt after multiple victims reported the fraud at various police stations, demanding his immediate re-arrest.
The suspect has been identified as Kiisa Hakim, who allegedly masqueraded as Dr. Paul Okello, a renowned herbalist from Kaliwa village.
He is reported to have used social media platforms to deceive residents, utilizing photos and videos of the legitimate Dr. Okello, who currently serves as the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Amukura Central in Teso South Constituency.
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“It is shocking to learn that that Ugandan went on my youTube account where he extracted my photos and previous videos I posted those days I used to deliver my magical herbalists and formed his account to con people. Let everyone who fell a victim to him come forward for justice,” stated Dr. Paul Okello Odhiambo, the MCA for Amukura Central.
Prior to vying for the Amukura Central MCA seat, Dr. Okello was widely known for his purported mystical abilities in dealing with thieves, a practice popularly referred to as ‘Mula Nyasi,’ a moniker he continues to use even in political forums.
