DCI Arrests Seven in Eldoret Over Fraudulent Overseas Job Recruitment Schemes
This operation comes amid growing frustration and despair among hundreds of job seekers who have been duped by the fraudulent recruitment agencies that have proliferated in Eldoret
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi speaking to the media at Central Police Station/File Photo
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested seven suspects linked to fraudulent overseas job recruitment schemes operating in Eldoret and its surrounding areas.
The suspects were apprehended at various business premises in Eldoret town during a major crackdown conducted by both uniformed and plainclothes officers.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed the arrests, stating that the operation followed a tip-off from the public about suspicious activities involving recruitment agencies. “We received credible information from concerned citizens regarding these fraudulent operations,” Mwanthi noted.
Police detectives were alarmed to discover that scores of unsuspecting job seekers were still queuing at the offices of these rogue agents, hoping for foreign employment opportunities. This is despite many of them having already parted with millions of shillings, unaware that most of these recruitment agencies are not registered with the National Employment Authority and lack the necessary permits to operate.
Mwanthi warned that most of the flagged recruitment agencies had been operating without valid licenses, cautioning them to shut down or face further action. “We have launched a serious manhunt for more than 10 suspects who evaded arrest during the crackdown. It’s only a matter of time before we catch up with them,” he asserted.
This operation comes amid growing frustration and despair among hundreds of job seekers who have been duped by the fraudulent recruitment agencies that have proliferated in Eldoret. Just two weeks ago, over 400 youths were scammed, each losing around Ksh 300,000 to a rogue agency operating on the outskirts of the town.
The company, identified as Novice Global, had promised the unsuspecting youths—most of them diploma and university graduates—lucrative job opportunities abroad. The mastermind behind the scheme, Gilbert Siongok, who is currently at large, allegedly convinced his clients that he had significant influence in Canada and could secure jobs for them.
One of the victims, Joshua Lagat, tearfully recounted how Siongok asked if they were willing to pay substantial amounts to facilitate the process of securing jobs overseas. “I decided to pay about Ksh 350,000 to cover all expenses, including travel, but regrettably, three months later, my trip has not materialized,” Lagat lamented.
Another victim, Vivian Jerop, shared her ordeal, revealing she lost Ksh 600,000 paid on behalf of her two siblings. Despite reporting the matter to the police, no action has been taken against the perpetrators. “We are still waiting for justice,” she said.
Simon Cheruiyot also fell prey to the scheme, stating that his family paid Ksh 700,000 for him and his brother to secure better opportunities abroad.
These arrests come as the County Government of Uasin Gishu faces scrutiny over a separate case involving a multi-billion-shilling botched education scholarship program. Affected students have sued local elected leaders, including Governor Jonathan Bii and Senator Jackson Mandago, in court, demanding refunds for their lost money.
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