Flashy Pastor Wanjohi in Sh600M Jobs Scam on DCI’s No-Fly List
A city preacher named James Wanjohi, along with three directors from two companies accused of defrauding thousands of Kenyans of over Ksh. 1 billion by promising to assist them in obtaining overseas jobs and travel visas, have been barred from leaving the country.
Wanjohi, the owner of Worth Start Africa who is currently evading authorities, is said to have collected more than Ksh.600 million from over 4,000 job seekers. Meanwhile, Alphonce Kioko, Sheila Kavaya, and Nancy Gathoni have been accused of acquiring over Ksh.800 million from unsuspecting Kenyans who are seeking better opportunities abroad.
Investigators are working to prevent Wanjohi from selling off his assets, which are suspected to be gained through criminal activities.
Last week, investigators in the Nairobi region carried out a raid at Worth Start Africa, seizing eight Mac desktops, safes, and documents as part of an investigation into a job scam valued at over Ksh. 600 million. The office remains closed, with signs posted outside.
The website Gossipa2z.com interviewed some victims who came to the office without knowing what was happening and were stunned by the situation.
A man paid more than Ksh. 100,000 for his relative to travel abroad for a job, but for the past month, he has been going to the offices to inquire about the progress. He has only received repeated assurances that the documents will be ready in three months.
Attempts to contact the individuals managing his case were unsuccessful because their phones remained unanswered.
The family member became one of over 4,000 Kenyans who each paid between Ksh.100,000 and 140,000 to Pastor Wanjohi’s company in the hopes of finding employment overseas.
ALSO READ:
- How not to make a mistake when choosing the best bookmaker in Kenya
- Understanding Gatwiri’s Cause of Death: Unraveling Positional Asphyxiation
- KRA Rules Out Tax Relief on SHIF Deductions
- Understanding Why Married Women Cheat: Common Reasons Behind Infidelity
- Violence Erupts in Mozambique: Three Killed, 66 Injured in Protests Over Disputed Election
Detectives in the Nairobi region are searching for a preacher who is known for his extravagant lifestyle and luxury cars.
As the investigation into the scam proceeds, the police have instructed the Immigration Department to prevent Pastor Wanjohi from leaving the country.
Included in the stop order are Alphonse Kioko and Sheila Kavaya, who are linked to Amble Beginnings Consult Limited, as well as Nancy Gathoni, who owns Zuri Overseas Travel Agency.
The trio is accused of collecting over Ksh.800 million from Kenyan citizens, promising them employment opportunities overseas.
Police are searching for Pastor Wanjohi, Kioko, and Gathoni after they went into hiding following a detective operation at their businesses.
Kavaya has already provided a statement to the police, who are looking into the incident.
Detectives have flagged three luxury vehicles registered under Pastor Wanjohi’s name, as they suspect that the Toyota Landcruiser V8, Toyota Prado, and Jeep Wrangler were purchased using funds obtained through criminal activities.
Peter Njeru, the head of criminal investigations for the Nairobi region, informed Gossipa2z.com that his team is probing over 100 companies suspected of engaging in labor export activities without the necessary government permits.
The National Employment Authority has identified 39 companies, including Worthstart Travel Agency, in a list seen by Gossipa2z.com. These companies are not authorized by the authority to operate.
Flashy Pastor Wanjohi in Sh600M Jobs Scam on DCI’s No-Fly List
