TikToker Maria Wangari Kamunge, popularly known as Rish Kamunge, has been released on a Ksh.5 million bond after being arrested and arraigned over allegations of defrauding job seekers. Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina granted her the bond on Friday morning, despite opposition from the prosecution, which had requested seven more days to conclude investigations.
Magistrate Onyina ruled that the prosecution failed to present compelling reasons to justify her continued detention. The case stems from multiple complaints lodged against Kamunge between January 1 and March 20, 2025, alleging that she collected money from individuals in exchange for non-existent job opportunities.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), 43 victims reported sending a total of Ksh.12.9 million to Kamunge via M-Pesa. The victims claimed they were instructed to transfer money to a number registered under her name with the promise of securing employment. However, after making the payments, they received no job placements and were unable to reach Kamunge, who had allegedly gone into hiding.
Kamunge was apprehended on March 26, 2025, in an office building in Nairobi. Members of the public, angered by her alleged fraudulent activities, took matters into their own hands and handed her over to the authorities at Central Police Station. Since her arrest, more victims have come forward with similar complaints, prompting the DCI to seek an extension of her custody to conduct further investigations.
The case has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Kenyans calling for stringent measures to curb job-related fraud. With the rising unemployment rate, job scams have become a growing concern, preying on desperate job seekers who are willing to pay large sums in hopes of securing employment.
Kamunge’s release on bond has drawn mixed reactions. While her legal team argues that she is innocent until proven guilty, victims and critics worry that she might interfere with investigations. The case is set to proceed as authorities gather more evidence and work towards delivering justice for the victims.
The DCI has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious job offers that require upfront payments to prevent falling victim to similar scams.
