TikToker Rish Kamunge arraigned in multi-million shilling Mauritius job scam case

Maria Wangare Kamunge, popularly known as Rish Kamunge, the director of Trustpine Travel Agency, was arraigned in court on Thursday, March 27, 2025, facing allegations of orchestrating a sophisticated job scam that defrauded dozens of Kenyans seeking employment opportunities in Mauritius.The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed her arrest following a wave of complaints from victims who collectively lost millions of shillings to the fraudulent scheme.According to the DCI, Kamunge allegedly lured desperate job seekers with promises of lucrative positions abroad, charging them between Sh200,000 and Sh400,000 for supposed job placements.Investigations have so far uncovered that 43 victims sent a staggering Sh12.9 million to the suspect, only to discover that the promised jobs were a mirage.Some victims even traveled over 3,100 kilometers to Mauritius, only to find themselves abandoned at the airport with no jobs, no assistance, and no means of support. After days of being stranded many were deported back to Kenya. The scam came to light earlier this week when furious victims stormed Trustpine Travel Agency’s offices along Moi Avenue in Nairobi’s Central Business District.Armed with documents proving their payments, the group demanded refunds and answers from Kamunge, who had gained prominence as a TikTok influencer promoting overseas job opportunities. The chaotic scenes prompted swift police action, leading to Kamunge’s arrest and subsequent arraignment.Following her court appearance on Thursday, the prosecution requested a seven-day custodial order to complete their investigation. Rish Kamunge appeared in court for custodial orders and was subsequently remanded at Capital Hill Police Station.  The case is scheduled for mention today, Friday, March 28, 2025, when the court will rule on the DCI’s request for extended detention. The DCI has urged anyone who may have fallen victim to this scam to come forward and record statements at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.