Eldoret Court Remands Man Accused of Defrauding Youths of Over Sh 500 Million
Constable Barasa also highlighted concerns for the suspect’s safety if released on bail, explaining that Barasa had been at large until his recent arrest with assistance from the public.
Anthony Masika Barasa, appearing composed in the dock, faces charges of defrauding over 400 youths of more than Sh 500 million through false job promises
A man accused of defrauding hundreds of youths from the North Rift and Western regions of more than Sh 500 million by falsely promising them jobs in Canada and Turkey appeared in Eldoret court yesterday.
Anthony Masika Barasa, dressed in a black jacket and appearing composed in the dock, was not required to enter a plea. The Presiding Chief Magistrate, Dennis Mikoyani, granted a request from the investigating officer for a 21-day detention period to continue holding the suspect in police custody.
Barasa is alleged to have used Gifford Agencies HR and Marketing Services Company to deceive victims under false pretenses, in violation of Section 313 of the Penal Code. He is accused of soliciting money from over 400 victims, including college and university graduates, between September 28, 2023, and July 19, 2024, in Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County. Each victim reportedly paid between Sh 450,000 and Sh 525,000 through bank accounts and Mpesa, in exchange for promised overseas employment.
The court was informed that Nyamai had falsely claimed she could arrange job placements abroad for 45 individuals and had convinced Karanja to collect fees from job seekers. Police Constable James Barasa, from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations at Soy Sub-County Police Station, noted that investigations into the case are ongoing.
Constable Barasa also highlighted concerns for the suspect’s safety if released on bail, explaining that Barasa had been at large until his recent arrest with assistance from the public. “Your Honor, we have yet to confirm with the National Employment Authority whether the recruitment agency operated by the suspect was authorized,” the detective said.
The investigating officer further revealed that after closing his recruitment agency, Barasa had gone underground and was not responding to calls from aggrieved complainants. “The suspect was eventually apprehended following a tip-off from members of the public while he was visiting Pioneer estate to check on his family’s welfare,” Barasa added.
Chief Magistrate Mikoyani ordered that Barasa be held at Eldoret Central Police Station for 21 days pending the completion of investigations. The matter is scheduled for mention before the Chief Magistrate on September 30 for further directions.
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