Kenyan TikToker Rish Kamunge has been charged with running a fraudulent job scheme, targeting individuals seeking employment in Mauritius. She received significant payments, leading to the deception of multiple victims. Currently released on a bond, she confessed to having taken Ksh12.9 million from 43 people. DCI is calling for further reports from additional victims of the scam.
Wangare Kamunge, known as Rish Kamunge, has been released on a Ksh5 million personal bond after being arraigned in court for orchestrating a fraudulent job scheme targeting Kenyans seeking work in Mauritius. The court rejected the prosecution’s request for a seven-day detention.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported that Rish, who operates Trustpine Travel Agency, solicited payments ranging from Ksh200,000 to Ksh400,000 from victims aspiring for non-existent job placements. Victims later found these opportunities to be entirely fictitious.
Investigating officers indicated that some individuals traveled to Mauritius, only to arrive at the airport and find no assistance, resulting in their deportation back to Kenya. The DCI noted that Rish confessed to receiving Ksh12.9 million from 43 victims.
Following her court appearance, Rish was remanded at Capital Hill Police Station. The DCI has encouraged other individuals who may have fallen victim to the scam to come forward and report their cases at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
On March 27, a group of concerned Kenyans stormed Rish’s agency offices, seeking refunds for the amounts they had paid. Protesters asserted that some had traveled 3,100 kilometers to Mauritius with promises of employment that were never fulfilled. According to a victim’s account, she had paid a total of Ksh225,000, which included a down payment and additional funds for flight tickets.
The case of Rish Kamunge underscores the alarming issue of fraudulent job schemes targeting vulnerable job seekers. With the DCI urging victims to come forward, it is essential for individuals to stay vigilant against such scams and for law enforcement to improve mechanisms for protection and recourse for affected citizens. The overarching concern remains the safety and integrity of employment opportunities advertised online.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
