Victims of a Sh500 million overseas jobs scam in Eldoret took matters into their own hands, resulting in the arrest of a key suspect. The suspect, who operates a job recruitment firm in the city, had been evading authorities amid mounting allegations of fraud.
The situation unfolded when a group of victims, who had been defrauded by the suspect’s recruitment firm, decided to confront him directly. These victims, some of whom had lost substantial amounts of money under the pretense of securing jobs abroad, gathered at the suspect’s residence in Pioneer Estate. They were determined to apprehend him themselves after repeated failures to get a response from law enforcement.
Accompanied by private security officers and human rights crusader Kimutai Kurui, the victims camped outside the suspect’s home, waiting for him to emerge. The suspect, who was reportedly with his family at the time, attempted to evade capture by attempting to escape through a neighbor’s property. However, the vigilance of the victims led to a successful citizen’s arrest as they pursued and detained him.
Virginia Kibe, one of the defrauded individuals, described the situation: “We had been waiting for him to come out, but when he didn’t, we decided to take action. He had defrauded us of a lot of money, and since the police were unable to help, we had no choice but to handle it ourselves.”
Another victim, Mzee Abel Chumba, revealed that he had paid over Sh450,000 to the suspect in hopes of securing jobs for his two sons in Turkey and Australia. His frustration was palpable as he recounted the deceptive promises made by the recruitment firm.
The suspect was eventually handed over to the Eldoret Central Police Station, where he is currently being held. Kurui, who played a significant role in organizing the citizen’s arrest, criticized the local police for their lack of action. He accused them of dragging their feet and failing to tackle the issue of fraud in Eldoret, a city he claims has become a hub for illicit job recruitment agencies.
“This man was hiding in plain sight, yet the police kept saying they couldn’t find him,” Kurui said. “We had to step in to prove that he could be located and apprehended. Eldoret has become a city overrun with fraudsters, and it’s high time the authorities took decisive action.”
Kurui’s allegations reflect growing concerns about the efficacy of local law enforcement in addressing fraud. He claimed that Eldoret harbors more than 50 illegal job recruitment agencies, many of which operate unchecked by authorities. This, he argues, has allowed scammers to exploit unsuspecting residents without fear of reprisal.
In response to the criticism, Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi stated that eight suspects have been arrested in Eldoret in connection with various fraud cases. While this figure suggests that the police are taking steps to address the issue, the recent events indicate a perceived gap between law enforcement efforts and the realities faced by the victims.
The dramatic citizen’s arrest highlights the growing frustration among residents who feel that traditional avenues for justice are insufficient. As the case progresses, it remains to be seen whether the increased public scrutiny and pressure will lead to more effective action against fraudsters in Eldoret.
The community’s resolve in seeking justice for the victims of this massive scam underscores a broader demand for accountability and more rigorous enforcement against those who exploit vulnerable individuals in the pursuit of quick financial gains.
