Nairobi police are actively pursuing city preacher James Wanjohi as part of an investigation into a Ksh.600 million job scam.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) took action on Friday, raiding Worthstart Africa offices in Pension Towers. Thousands of individuals victimized by the company have provided statements to the police, detailing how they were deceived into parting with millions of shillings under false pretenses that the preacher would facilitate job placements abroad and visa processing.
Seizing computers and office records, DCI officers aim to gather evidence to aid their investigation.
According to police reports, over 4,000 hopeful job seekers paid agency fees ranging from Ksh.100,000 to Ksh.140,000 to Pastor Wanjohi’s Worthstart Africa, expecting assistance with overseas job applications and visa procedures.
Promised employment opportunities and expedited travel abroad within three months, applicants found themselves ignored and their inquiries unanswered as time passed.
Among the victims are young graduates and older individuals seeking to secure their children’s futures, many of whom are members of Wanjohi’s church, ‘Jesus Culture Ministry,’ in Roysambu. They entrusted both their faith and finances to their pastor.
One victim shared her distressing experience, having borrowed from a Chama to finance her orphaned grandchild’s opportunity to work in Canada, only to find herself Ksh.150,000 poorer six months later.
Suspicion arose when every applicant, without exception, received the same disheartening news after making the required Ksh.150,000 payment – their visa applications had been rejected.
The widespread disappointment prompted the arrest of numerous directors and senior staff of the recruitment agency. However, the elusive preacher, Wanjohi, remains at large, allegedly absconding as his victims filed police reports. Authorities estimate his fraudulent activities have amassed over six hundred million shillings.
Demanding restitution for their losses, the defrauded individuals eagerly await justice.
“Hio pesa yote sasa shosho kama mimi kulipa mkopo na uko na shida ingine si ni mbaya aki watusaidie watuitishie hio pesa,” a victim noted.
“Pesa zangu mimi nataka juu hata ni loan nilikua nimechukua na niko na mtoto na sina kazi.”
