Two Suspects Linked to Sh20 Million Kazi Majuu Fraud Arrested, CS Mutua

Two suspects linked to an alleged Sh20 million fraud targeting Kenyan youth under the government’s Kazi Majuu Programme have been arrested, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has announced.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Mutua commended the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for apprehending what he described as the masterminds behind a recruitment scam involving Zawadi Jobs Abroad Ltd, in partnership with Glorivin International, Gig Connect, and Taushi Tours and Travel.

“I wish to commend the DCI for arresting the suspected masterminds behind the defrauding of innocent Kenyans,”
Mutua said.

According to the CS, the suspects — Vincent Omondi Oyugi and his wife Rachael Njoki Kariuki — were arrested after evading police for a day, despite a public directive issued earlier requiring them to present themselves to investigators.

“Following a day of hide-and-seek, and despite my press statement yesterday directing them to present themselves to the police, the DCI successfully tracked and apprehended them,”
he said.

Mutua said the two will be processed in accordance with the law, adding that he had instructed investigators to widen the scope of the probe to cover all affected victims.

“I have further requested the DCI to widen the scope of investigations to ensure that all affected youth, including those who received Youth Fund monies, get justice as I had promised,”
he stated.

The CS sought to reassure young Kenyans that the Kazi Majuu Programme, which facilitates overseas employment opportunities, remains intact despite the scam.

“I want to assure Kenyan youth that the Kazi Majuu Programme is working and remains firmly on course,”
Mutua said.

He warned rogue recruitment agents that the government would not relent in pursuing them.

“Con artists and rogue agents should know that their days are numbered. Investigations are ongoing, and the law will take its full course,”
he added.

The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny of labour recruitment agencies as the government moves to clamp down on fraudsters exploiting job-seeking youth.