Eldoret: Families Demand Justice as Overseas Job Scam Leaves Hundreds Devastated: Calls for Investigation and Deportation

Joshua Arap Lagat, among the victims of an alleged overseas job scam orchestrated by Nivice Global, voiced the anguish of over 400 affected individuals who paid hefty sums, each exceeding 350,000 shillings, with hopes of securing employment in Canada. Lagat revealed, “I had three children, for whom I invested over one million shillings for their education abroad. They were supposed to leave in September, but to date, not a single one has departed.”

Recent communication from the agency hinted at opportunities in factories, care giving, and other sectors abroad, but Lagat lamented, “It’s sad that they have now opened a new office.” He called upon the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to probe agencies facilitating such deceitful schemes, stressing the devastating impact on unsuspecting individuals.

Wainaina WA a Mwangi, another victim, recounted the false promises of overseas employment, stating, “We were told we were going to work abroad, but we got refusals and bans. After getting banned and refused, we were sent away.” Mwangi urged authorities to take action against Gilbert Kiptoo Songok, associated with the scam, demanding his deportation from Canada to face justice.

Expressing the depth of financial loss, Mwangi disclosed, “I paid 350 shillings. I sold my land share for me to go abroad to work, now I am just here with my brother, don’t have anything.” Mwangi revealed the deceptive tactics employed by the perpetrators, emphasizing, “He sweet-talked us, saying he is from home and had stayed in Canada for a very long time and had a partnership with a Canadian citizen. That’s why we paid 350k.”

Lamenting the magnitude of the deception, Mwangi highlighted, “Imagine in a village, we had over 300 people who have applied. Since it was started, no one has gone abroad.” The disillusionment is widespread, with even single mothers like Mwangi left in dire straits, as she mentioned, “One of the clients was paying for my son. I am a single mother.”

Gilbert Kiptoo Songok, the alleged mastermind behind the scam, initially launched the office under the guise of Novice Global, which has now been rebranded as Nibble. Mwangi expressed concern over Songok’s threats, stating, “He is now threatening us that there is nowhere we can take them.”

Urging government intervention, Mwangi emphasized, “We want the County Government of Uasin Gishu to come and investigate the matter, as it’s a scam and will swindle Kenyans of their millions.” The plea extends to the Canadian embassy, as Mwangi urged, “We want the Canadian embassy to deport Gilbert Kiptoo Songok with immediate effect.”

The majority of casualties hail from Songok’s hometown of Ziwa, Soy Sub-County, further underscoring the gravity of the situation within the community. As calls for justice intensify, affected families seek closure and restitution for their losses.