Maria Rish Kamunge, a well-known TikToker, has been arrested following allegations that she defrauded numerous Kenyans through her overseas job placement agency. Victims claim that they lost millions of shillings after being promised employment opportunities abroad that never materialized.
Victims Storm Nairobi CBD Office
On March 26, a group of aggrieved job seekers stormed Kamunge’s office in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), demanding refunds and presenting evidence of unfulfilled job promises. Some alleged that they had been left stranded in foreign countries, while others claimed they were misled about the nature of the jobs they had paid for.
Harrowing Testimonies from Victims
One of the victims, Nasimiyu, recounted her experience, stating that she was left stranded at the airport despite following all the required procedures. “I did everything they asked, but it still failed. When I came back to demand a refund, they refused and even threatened to call the police on me,” she lamented.
Harrison Bhagwasi, another victim, said he had flown to Mauritius on March 13, 2025, expecting to start work at a five-star hotel. However, upon arrival, he discovered that the promised job did not exist. Many other victims shared similar experiences, calling for justice.
Legal Proceedings and Investigations
Following the complaints, the police took Kamunge into custody, launching investigations into the alleged scam. Authorities have urged more victims to come forward and record statements as they work to establish the extent of the fraudulent operations.
Kamunge’s lawyer has denied the allegations, claiming that the situation was a case of misrepresentation. He assured that efforts were being made to refund the affected individuals.
Public Outcry and Calls for Stricter Regulations
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with many Kenyans calling for tighter regulations on recruitment agencies to prevent similar scams. Social media users expressed their frustration, arguing that such fraudulent schemes exploit desperate job seekers looking for better opportunities abroad.
Previous Allegations and Controversies
Kamunge has been the subject of controversy before. In the past, rumors circulated that she had an affair with popular comedian Terence Creative, allegations that both parties have denied. Terence Creative publicly refuted the claims, emphasizing that he had never met Kamunge in person.
Moving Forward
As investigations continue, authorities are working to determine the full scope of the alleged scam and ensure justice for the victims. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for job seekers to thoroughly vet recruitment agencies before making financial commitments.
