Popular TikToker Rish Kamunge has opened up about her recent experience in jail following her arrest over allegations of defrauding Kenyans through a job placement agency she runs. Speaking during a TikTok live session with fellow content creator Obidan Dela, Rish described the harsh conditions she endured while in custody and how she managed to stay composed throughout the ordeal.
According to Rish, being in jail stripped her of all basic comforts. She didn’t even have access to her phone and had no idea what her fate would be as she awaited her court date. Despite the uncertainty, she remained calm and prayerful. “When I was there, I just left everything in God’s hands and prayed,” she said.
Jail, she admitted, was far from a pleasant experience, but she stated that she had faced worse situations in the past. The uncertainty of whether she would be granted bond or sent to remand weighed heavily on her, yet she kept her head high. “It’s not a place you want to be, but I’ve seen worse. You don’t even know if you’ll go to court or be taken to remand,” she explained.
Rish also shared that visitation was heavily restricted. Only her legal team was allowed access to her due to the nature of her case. She expressed surprise when Obidan managed to visit, admitting she had not expected him to come. “It was hard to see anyone. Only my lawyers could see me. I was shocked when you came to see me. Honestly, I thought you were just coming to get a story,” she said.
Despite the grim circumstances, Rish said she still made an effort to maintain her appearance, proudly stating, “I made sure to look good even in there.”
Her arrest followed an incident where frustrated job seekers stormed her Nairobi office demanding answers. They claimed to have paid her agency for overseas job placements that never materialized. This led to police intervention, her arrest, and the start of formal investigations. Authorities encouraged more victims to come forward with their statements.
Several individuals have since come out with their stories, including one who shared how they were left stranded at the airport despite having completed all the requirements for their promised job abroad. These allegations have stirred significant public outrage online, with many calling for justice.
Amid the backlash, Rish has continued to maintain her innocence. However, she also revealed how deeply the experience affected her personal relationships. After her arrest, she claimed many of her friends distanced themselves. “No one was picking my calls. You are truly alone when things go wrong,” she noted.
In a surprising twist, shortly after her release, Rish announced new job opportunities abroad. She advertised openings in Qatar for security officer positions, inviting both men and women to apply. Applicants were required to present a certificate of good conduct and a CV. She clarified that the commission fee would only be paid once the visa was issued. The offered salary was set at 1,600 Qatari Riyals.
The announcement sparked mixed reactions, given the ongoing court case and controversy surrounding her agency. While some continue to support her, many others remain skeptical and critical of her continued involvement in overseas recruitment.