How Fraudster Ceaser Wagicheru King’ori Sneaked His Way Into Ruto’s Entourage To Germany And Scammed Unsuspecting Jobseekers Sh720M

A controversial figure in the recruitment industry is at the center of a major scandal involving accusations of defrauding numerous job seekers by promoting non-existent employment opportunities abroad through his company Vintmark Travel Agency Ltd.

These fraudulent promises included enticing placements in Germany and Canada which led many to part with their hard-earned money in pursuit of better futures that ultimately vanished into thin air.

The name Ceaser Wagicheru King’ori first surfaced in August last year amid an investigation into a fraudulent jobs racket allegedly involving a flashy city pastor in scandal revolving around a staggering Ksh 600 million scheme that deceived numerous Kenyans seeking overseas employment opportunities.

The focus of the investigation was Mr. James Wanjohi, the leader of Jesus Culture Ministries Church, who was accused of collecting millions of shillings from thousands of desperate job seekers.

The fees ranged from Ksh 100,000 to Ksh 140,000 yet the promised overseas jobs never materialized.

Those who entrusted their money to Mr. Wanjohi faced severe consequences.

They were issued visa bans by the Canadian Embassy in Kenya after it was revealed that their applications contained falsified information.

While the investigations were primarily centred on Mr. Wanjohi, complaints also surfaced against Mr. King’ori, who was then emerging as a job recruiter.
Many of his victims, initially willing to speak out, later declined interviews, citing promises of refunds that never materialized.

Reports indicate that complaints against Mr. King’ori and his company, Vintmark Travel Agency Ltd, have been accumulating at the DCI.

Vintmark operates from Kenindia House on Loita Street in Nairobi’s central business district.

Numerous victims, both Kenyans and foreigners, have shared their experiences, collectively reporting losses nearing Ksh 720 million due to Vintmark’s marketing strategies, which heavily utilize platforms like TikTok and other social media.

They reported how Kingori’s agency disappeared after payments were made leaving them stranded without refunds or job placements.

The situation recently escalated following President William Ruto’s recent diplomatic trip to Germany where several agreements were signed aimed at facilitating job placements for Kenyans abroad and this development seemed to provide hope for those seeking better prospects outside the country but it was Kingori’s proximity to high-ranking officials during this trip that has sparked fresh public outrage and suspicions regarding the legitimacy of his operations.

Although he was not officially part of the delegation that accompanied President Ruto to Germany to sign labour agreements, he found his way to Berlin during the presidential visit on September 13 and 14 and even managed to secure photos with top officials such Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua at the signing of the Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.

These images circulated widely online giving his business false legitimacy.

The presidential entourage included prominent figures such as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and ODM leader Raila Odinga who is Kenya’s candidate for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).

While Mr. King’ori mingled with Kenyan leaders at meetings regarding overseas job opportunities in Germany, he left behind a trail of victims from his alleged jobs racket in Kenya with investigators saying that he had become increasingly elusive.

“It has reached a point now that Mr. King’ori has become untouchable. When he was summoned last week by an investigator to provide additional statements after another group emerged claiming Vintmark has scammed them, he responded by stating he was in Germany. He even shared his photo with a Cabinet secretary,” a top Criminal Investigations officer based in Nairobi lamented.

Among the many victims of Vintmark Travel Agency Ltd are several people who have shared their harrowing experiences of financial loss in pursuit of overseas employment opportunities that never materialized.

Samuel Kamando and Paul Mbatia each paid Ksh 150,000 for promised jobs in Canada yet found themselves with empty pockets and shattered dreams instead of the lucrative employment they were promised.

Mary Wangari also fell victim to the scheme contributing Ksh 150,000 in hopes of securing a job in the UK while Matshediso Ndhlovu parted with Ksh 130,000 for a similar promise of work in the UK only to be left disappointed and disillusioned.

Nsimire Mindinga invested Kes 150,000 for a job opportunity in Canada but faced the same fate as the others.