Businessman James Wanjohi has come forward to defend himself against accusations of involvement in visa fraud, amid reports that over 4,000 Kenyans have allegedly lost more than Sh600 million.
Wanjohi has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as not only fictitious but also as a smear campaign aimed at damaging his reputation and that of his company.
“It is a lie. We do not have a church in Roysambu called Jesus Culture Ministry for the last two years. I agree, I do build churches and give them to pastors and bishops, it’s my calling,” Wanjohi clarified, refuting claims of being a preacher.
Addressing his company, Worthstart, Wanjohi admitted to facilitating visa processing but stressed that approval is not guaranteed, emphasizing that it depends on the Embassy’s discretion.
“We do visa facilitation but it is not everybody that gets it just like in any company or any other part of the world. It is not a 100 percent guarantee that any company will ever give you. It is the ambassadors that issue but if they deny you we give you a second chance for free,” he explained.
Wanjohi dismissed the allegations as a witch-hunt and business rivalry orchestrated by his adversaries, who he believes are determined to bring him down.
Regarding the scale of his company’s operations, Wanjohi stated that Worthstart Company has been in existence for less than a year, making it implausible to have accumulated up to 4,000 clients in such a short time frame.
“I have a contract with every client that comes to Worthstart and my work ends when I hand them over to the Embassy because beyond that I have no other power,” Wanjohi remarked.
Despite reports of detectives raiding Worthstart Africa offices, Wanjohi denied being sought by law enforcement, stating he has yet to receive official summons.
Victims of the alleged fraud claim they paid agency fees ranging from Sh100,000-Sh140,000 for overseas job and visa applications, with promises of travel within three months. However, many have reported a lack of communication and are demanding refunds.
The majority of the alleged victims were reportedly members of the Jesus Culture Ministry, with police investigating the matter after victims recorded statements.
By Vivian K.