The Nairobi police force has launched a manhunt for falmboyant preacher James Wanjohi, as part of an investigation into a Ksh.600 million job scam.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers conducted a raid on Worthstart Africa offices in Pension towers following numerous complaints from victims who were allegedly swindled millions under false pretenses of securing overseas employment opportunities and visas.
During the raid, law enforcement officers seized computers and office records to aid in the ongoing investigation into the fraudulent activities of Worthstart Africa.
The victims, numbering in the thousands, recounted their harrowing experiences of being duped into paying agency fees ranging from Ksh.100,000 to Ksh.140,000, with promises of lucrative job placements abroad.
“We were told the process would take three months. From July to December, they became increasingly unresponsive. Justice must prevail; we demand a refund,” expressed one victim.
“After making payments, there was no communication until we confronted them in person,” added another victim.
Police revealed that victims span a wide demographic, from fresh graduates to parents seeking better opportunities for their children.
Most victims were members of Wanjohi’s church, ‘Jesus Culture Ministry,’ based in Roysambu, who placed unwavering trust in their pastor.
One victim shared her anguish, disclosing that she took out a Chama loan to finance her grandchild’s job application in Canada, only to be left Ksh.150,000 poorer six months later.
“I saw the child’s struggles increasing with no job in sight. I borrowed money from women and paid 140k initially, then an additional 10k, totaling 150k. They told me to wait, but never followed up,” lamented another victim.
Suspicions arose when all applicants received the same response after making the mandatory payment – their visa applications were denied.
“We have over 200 applicants, yet none have received a visa. Is everyone truly ineligible?” questioned a victim.
Most directors and senior staff of the recruitment agency have been apprehended by the police. However, the elusive preacher, James Wanjohi, remains at large, having gone into hiding as victims began filing complaints.
estimate that Wanjohi swindled over Ksh.600 million from job seekers, leaving his victims clamoring for justice and the return of their hard-earned money.
“All that money is like a burden, especially for someone like me who took out a loan and is facing other challenges. It wouldn’t hurt if he helped us recover that money,” remarked a victim.
“I want my money back because it’s a loan I took out with a child to care for and no job,” echoed another victim.
By Vivian K.