Human Rights Activists Demand Action on Fraudulent Travel Agencies and ODPP Overhaul in Uasin Gishu
Eldoret-based Human Rights Activist Kimutai Kirui has condemned Uasin Gishu as the “City of Fraudsters,” raising alarm over the proliferation of unlicensed travel agencies exploiting residents. Kirui revealed that nearly 90% of these agencies lack accreditation from the National Employment Authority (NEA), and he called for its dissolution, citing its failure to regulate recruitment practices.
“We have travel agencies in nearly every building, with some recruiting over a thousand people but only sending a fraction abroad,” Kirui said, pointing to the rampant corruption and inefficiency within the system. He demanded an overhaul of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), accusing it of fostering impunity by blocking prosecutions through bribery. “The ODPP has become a frontier of corruption, demoralizing police officers who arrest suspects, only for cases to be killed at the ODPP stage.”
Kirui also called for the immediate arrest of Judy Jepchirchir, CEO of First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Agency, alongside other directors of fraudulent agencies in Uasin Gishu. “We demand that the ODPP officers in Uasin Gishu be transferred. They have overstayed and allowed impunity to thrive.”
Benson Juma Akumu, another human rights activist, echoed Kirui’s concerns, lamenting how police efforts to investigate and arrest suspects are undermined by the ODPP. He urged President William Ruto to intervene and stop the so-called “paradise cartel” in Uasin Gishu, which he claimed is conning residents by falsely claiming to be well-connected. Akumu reiterated calls for an overhaul of both the ODPP and NEA.
Meanwhile, Viola Makan from Kitale, a victim of the recruitment scam, spoke out, sharing how she and others sold their property in hopes of securing jobs abroad through First Choice Recruitment. “Since 2022, Judy Jepchirchir has made us suffer. We want her arrested immediately, or we will take action ourselves. The ODPP must do something, or it must go.”
Sammy, another protester, issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the ODPP, demanding the arrest of Jepchirchir or threatening mass action. “This office cannot run as a private entity. We want transparency and accountability. We will not rest until our money is returned,” Sammy declared, adding that President Ruto’s silence on the matter was deeply concerning.
Victims like Kelvin Koech vowed to continue demonstrating until justice is served. “This is the president’s county, and we have suffered since 2022. If the ODPP fails to prosecute the CEO, we will take matters into our own hands,” Koech warned.
The demands for transparency, accountability, and swift legal action have sparked widespread discontent in Uasin Gishu, with more demonstrations expected if the situation remains unresolved.
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