Kenyans Storm Nairobi Travel Agency Over Mauritius Job Scam
Chaos erupted along Moi Avenue in Nairobi on Tuesday as furious job seekers stormed the offices of Trustpin Travel Agency, accusing it of swindling them out of millions under the guise of securing employment in Mauritius.
The enraged crowd, feeling betrayed and desperate, forced their way into the agency’s offices, demanding immediate refunds. According to victims, they had been promised lucrative jobs abroad, only to realize they had fallen into a well-coordinated scam.
“I paid in installments. I am a driver and a caregiver. The director told us that jobs were ready and that once we got there, we would start working as planned,” lamented Faith Nasimiyu, one of the victims.
The job seekers claim they discovered the agency through online advertisements, which led them to its director, Mary Kamunge. They were asked to pay between Ksh.200,000 and Ksh.400,000, covering airfare, agency fees, and other costs. In their desperation for better opportunities, some sold property, while others took loans to raise the required amount.
“I paid Ksh.193,000 for a job that wasn’t there,” said Beatrice Njoki, another victim.
For some, the situation worsened when they actually made it to Mauritius, only to be stranded at the airport. Without jobs, food, or shelter, they were eventually deported back to Kenya, their hopes shattered.
“We stayed at the airport for three days without any food. We were told to wait for the plane that brought us there to take us back to Nairobi,” Nasimiyu added.
“I managed to raise Ksh.430,000 for my brother to secure a job in Mauritius. He did not get a job when he arrived,” added Erick Ochieng.
The victims claim they reported the matter to the Central Police Station in Nairobi, but no significant action has been taken against the agency. Desperate for justice, they took matters into their own hands, storming the offices in an attempt to recover their money.
Trustpin Travel Agency’s Director Mary Kamunge, through her lawyer, maintains that the company is working on refunding some of the victims, though deductions will be made for expenses allegedly incurred during the process.
“The agreement is we are going to deduct some amount that was used to help facilitate their travel. Already, we are working on refunding some amounts. This is an isolated case,” the lawyer stated.
With rising cases of job scams targeting unemployed Kenyans, authorities are under increasing pressure to take decisive action and bring perpetrators to justice. Meanwhile, the victims continue to push for full refunds and accountability.
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Kenyans Storm Nairobi Travel Agency Over Mauritius Job Scam