Eldoret Scams: Protesters Demand Overhaul of ODPP, Arrest of Fraudulent Agency Directors
“The ODPP has become a frontier of corruption, demoralizing police officers who arrest suspects, only for cases to be killed at the ODPP stage.”
Victims of scams in Eldoret City took to the streets on Tuesday, demanding a complete overhaul of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The protests were led by Eldoret-based Human Rights Activist Kimutai Kirui, who highlighted the systemic delays in processing cases. Kirui noted that files often take over seven months for the police to act upon, thereby denying victims justice.
Kirui condemned Uasin Gishu, referring to it as the “City of Fraudsters” due to the alarming number of unlicensed travel agencies exploiting unsuspecting residents. He revealed that nearly 90% of these agencies are unaccredited by the National Employment Authority (NEA) and called for its dissolution, criticizing its failure to regulate recruitment practices.
“We have travel agencies in nearly every building, with some recruiting over a thousand people but only sending a fraction abroad,” Kirui stated, pointing out the rampant corruption within the system. He further called for the immediate overhaul of the ODPP, accusing it of enabling impunity through bribery. “The ODPP has become a frontier of corruption, demoralizing police officers who arrest suspects, only for cases to be killed at the ODPP stage.”
Kirui demanded the immediate arrest of Judy Jepchirchir, CEO of First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Agency, alongside other directors of fraudulent agencies in Uasin Gishu. “We demand that the ODPP officers in Uasin Gishu be transferred. They have overstayed and allowed impunity to thrive.”
Benson Juma Akumu, another human rights activist, echoed Kirui’s sentiments, expressing frustration at how police investigations are repeatedly undermined by the ODPP. He urged President William Ruto to intervene and dismantle the “paradise cartel” that he claimed is conning residents by posing as well-connected operatives. Akumu reiterated calls for the reform of both the ODPP and NEA.
Meanwhile, Viola Makan, a victim from Kitale, shared her harrowing experience, explaining how she and others sold their property to secure jobs abroad through First Choice Recruitment. “Since 2022, Judy Jepchirchir has made us suffer. We want her arrested immediately, or we will take action ourselves. The ODPP must do something, or it must go.”
Another protester, Sammy, issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the ODPP, demanding the arrest of Jepchirchir or threatening mass action. “This office cannot run as a private entity. We want transparency and accountability. We will not rest until our money is returned,” he declared, adding that President Ruto’s silence on the matter was deeply troubling.
Kelvin Koech, one of the victims, vowed that the demonstrations would continue until justice is served. “This is the president’s county, and we have suffered since 2022. If the ODPP fails to prosecute the CEO, we will take matters into our own hands,” Koech warned.
The calls for transparency, accountability, and swift legal action have triggered widespread unrest in Uasin Gishu, with more protests expected if the authorities fail to address the grievances of the victims.
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