Seven Arrested in Eldoret Recruitment Scam; Authorities Seek Additional Suspects
Uasin Gishu County Commander Benjamin Mwanthe
In a major crackdown, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested seven individuals connected to fraudulent overseas job recruitment schemes in Eldoret and its surrounding areas. The arrests were made following a tip-off from concerned citizens about suspicious activities by recruitment agencies.
According to Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi, the operation revealed that many job seekers had been defrauded of substantial amounts by agencies operating without proper registration. Detectives discovered that numerous victims were still queuing at the offices of these rogue agents, misled by promises of foreign employment after paying large sums of money.
Mwanthi noted that many of the flagged recruitment agencies lacked valid permits from the National Employment Authority. He warned that these agencies must cease operations immediately or face further legal action. “We have launched a serious manhunt for over 10 additional suspects who evaded arrest during the crackdown. It’s only a matter of time before we apprehend them,” Mwanthi assured.
The crackdown follows widespread frustration among job seekers who have fallen prey to the schemes. Recently, more than 400 youths were defrauded by Novice Global, a company promising overseas jobs. Victims paid between KSh 300,000 and KSh 700,000, only to see their promised jobs fail to materialize. Gilbert Siongok, the alleged mastermind of Novice Global, remains at large.
Joshua Lagat, a victim of the scheme, recounted paying KSh 350,000 for a job opportunity that never materialized. “Three months later, my trip has not happened,” he said tearfully. Vivian Jerop, who lost KSh 600,000 for her siblings, and Simon Cheruiyot, who paid KSh 700,000 for himself and his brother, also shared their distress over the unfulfilled promises.
This crackdown comes amidst scrutiny of the Uasin Gishu County Government, which is embroiled in controversy over a failed multi-billion shilling education scholarship program. Affected students have filed lawsuits against local leaders, including Governor Jonathan Bii and Senator Jackson Mandago, seeking refunds for their lost funds.
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