TikToker Rish Kamunge Charged in Court With Fake Overseas Jobs Scam

TikToker Maria Wangare Kamunge popularly known as Rish Kamunge has been arraigned in court over running a job scam that targeted Kenyans seeking employment in Mauritius.

In a statement on Friday, March 28, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said Kamunge, who is the Director of Trustpine Travel Agency was paid between Sh200,000 and Sh400,000 for nonexistent job placements in Mauritius.

"Maria Wangare Kamunge, alias Rish Kamunge, the Director Trustpine Travel Agency, has been arraigned for her involvement in a job scam that targeted Kenyans seeking employment in Mauritius. Victims reported paying between Sh200,000 and Sh400,000 for job placements, only to discover that the promised opportunities were nonexistent,” read part of the DCI statement.

DCI noted that some individuals even travelled to Mauritius for the jobs but found themselves stranded at the airport without assistance. The victims were ultimately deported back to Kenya.

According to DCI, Kamunge received a total of Sh12.9 million from 43 victims.

The suspect was remanded at the Capital Hill Police Station and the case will be mentioned on Friday.

“Investigations have revealed that a total of 43 victims sent Sh12.9 million to the suspect. Rish Kamunge appeared in court for custodial orders and was subsequently remanded at Capital Hill Police Station,” DCI stated.

The investigative agency further called on Kenyans who have been scammed by the TikToker to report the matter at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.

 “The Directorate of Criminal Investigations urges anyone who might have fallen victim to this job scam to come forward and report the matter at the Central Police Station in Nairobi,” DCI added.