The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya is seeking the whereabouts of Albert Komen Kipkechem, alias Jonathan Kiptum Barmasai, a suspect in a high-profile cybercrime case. According to a statement issued on September 21, 2026, Komen was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on March 5, 2026, on charges related to cybercrime. He was accused of committing offences under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018.
Investigations conducted by detectives from the Economic and Commercial Crimes Unit, in collaboration with experts from the National Forensic Laboratory and the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, allegedly linked Komen to a fraud case. The suspect is believed to have used remote access software to gain unauthorized access to the systems of a payment service provider, a local bank, and a SACCO, resulting in losses of over Sh52 million in June 2025.
Detectives arrested Komen in the Thome area of Nairobi and searched his home in Nakuru, recovering various electronic gadgets, SIM cards, ATM cards registered under other people's names, cash, a money-counting machine, and allegedly fraudulent identity documents. Among the items recovered was a Congolese passport bearing Komen's photograph but registered under another name, Katempa Ngoy Alexisa, as well as a Congolese identity card bearing the same name.
Komen pleaded not guilty to the charges and was initially remanded at Capitol Hill Police Station as the court considered his bail terms. He was later released on cash bail of Sh1.5 million and Sh500,000 shillings in separate matters. However, the DCI says he failed to attend subsequent court proceedings, prompting the Milimani Law Courts to issue warrants of arrest against him.
The DCI is now appealing to anyone with information on Komen's whereabouts to report through the DCI toll-free hotline 0800 722 203, WhatsApp number 0709 570 000, or the nearest police station. Information can also be shared through the national emergency numbers 999, 911 or 112. The public is urged to assist in bringing the suspect to justice.
Komen was charged with offences of Access with Intent to Commit a Further Offence, contrary to Section 15(1), and Computer Fraud, contrary to Section 26(1)(b) as read with Section 2(a) of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018. The DCI is working to bring him to justice for his alleged crimes.
The case highlights the growing concern over cybercrime in Kenya and the need for collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public to combat this menace. The DCI's efforts to bring Komen to justice demonstrate the government's commitment to tackling cybercrime and protecting the public from financial losses.
Key points
- The DCI is seeking Albert Komen, a cybercrime suspect who skipped court, linked to Sh52 million fraud.
- Komen was charged with cybercrime-related offences under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018.
- The public is urged to assist in bringing Komen to justice through various reporting channels.
