Detectives are on the hunt for a city pastor who is accused of defrauding unsuspecting Kenyans of a total of KSh600 million by promising them jobs overseas.
The suspect, Pastor James Wanjohi of Jesus Culture Ministries in Roysambu, is alleged to have targeted a wide range of individuals, from young people fresh off campus to elderly individuals seeking opportunities for their children.
According to reports, Pastor Wanjohi operated through an agency identified as Worth Start, located in Nairobi.
One victim, an elderly woman, recounted how she took out a loan and paid a substantial sum to Wanjohi’s agency.
“I took some money from a women’s group. The first day I came here, I paid KSh140,000 then later I added some KSh10,000. The total is KSh150,000. Then I was told to wait for communication,” she stated.
However, months passed without any communication from the pastor or his agency. When she attempted to inquire about the progress, she was allegedly met with rude responses and threats.
Her experience mirrors that of numerous other victims who paid between KSh100,000 to KSh150,000 with the promise of securing jobs in various countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Finland, among others.
A poster displayed outside Pastor Wanjohi’s office advertised various services, including international study scholarships, local and foreign immigration consultancy, visa processing and tracking, international healthcare facilitation, and international job staffing and placement.
Recently, detectives raided the offices and confiscated monitors, files, and other items that they believe will aid in their investigations. Several senior employees were also arrested for questioning, while Pastor Wanjohi remains in hiding.
The victims, now coming forward to record their statements with the police, are demanding a refund of their money, feeling betrayed and financially strained by the alleged scam.
