TikToker Rish Kamunge Implicated In Overseas Job Scams Closes Office, Sells Properties

Social media influencer accused of defrauding job seekers of millions shuts down operations amid ongoing investigation

NAIROBI – A prominent TikTok personality at the center of an alleged overseas employment scam has shuttered her business offices across Kenya and begun liquidating assets as authorities investigate claims she defrauded job seekers of millions of shillings.

Maria Kamunge, widely known by her social media handle “Rish Kamunge,” recently closed the offices of her company Trust Pin Verified Agency Ltd in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru. The 28-year-old social media influencer stands accused of collecting between Sh200,000 and Sh300,000 from desperate job seekers with promises of securing employment opportunities abroad.

A visit to Kamunge’s former Nairobi headquarters on the fifth floor of Biashara Plaza Building revealed a vacant space stripped of all company materials and promotional posters.

Local business owners confirmed that the office had been cleared out following Kamunge’s arrest by members of the public who accused her of fraud.

“Ever since she was arrested by members of the public, we have never seen her,” said a businessman operating from the same building.

“However, recently, people came and removed her belongings from the office; it is now vacant.”

The dramatic citizen’s arrest occurred when angry victims who had paid for overseas job placements that never materialized confronted Kamunge and marched her to Nairobi Central Police Station after she allegedly failed to refund their money.

Court proceedings

Kamunge faces charges of obtaining money by false pretenses under Section 313 of the Penal Code.

She has denied the allegations and was released on a Sh5 million bond by Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina, despite prosecution arguments that she posed a flight risk.

Prosecutors allege that Kamunge used the fraudulently obtained funds to finance an extravagant lifestyle abroad before quietly returning to Kenya, where she was subsequently arrested.

In a troubling development, Kamunge appears to be continuing her recruitment activities despite the ongoing investigation.

She remains active on TikTok, soliciting new applicants for overseas employment through her company, though she has reportedly opened a new account following backlash on her original platform.

The National Employment Authority (NEA) has received at least 20 formal complaints regarding Kamunge’s activities.

NEA Director General Edith Okoki confirmed that complainants have provided receipts from “Trustpin Travel Agency,” though the officially registered entity is “Trustpin Verified Agency.”

“The evidence and statements from job seekers will inform us on the necessary steps to take,” Okoki stated, indicating that a comprehensive investigation is underway.

Asset liquidation

Adding to concerns about potential flight risk, Kamunge announced via TikTok Live over the weekend that she is selling her properties, including College Space and Spa in Nairobi, valued at Sh2.5 million.

“I am selling the spa at a cost of Sh2.5 million, I also have a few household items that are on sale,” Kamunge confirmed when contacted by phone.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations report that additional victims continue to come forward to record statements, suggesting the scope of the alleged fraud may be more extensive than initially believed.

The case highlights the growing problem of employment scams targeting Kenyans seeking opportunities abroad, particularly those perpetrated through social media platforms where fraudsters can easily reach vulnerable job seekers.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of increased government warnings about fake overseas employment schemes.

In May, authorities issued specific cautions about fraudulent job offers claiming to provide employment in South Korea, indicating that Kamunge’s case may be part of a broader pattern of overseas employment fraud.

The case serves as a stark reminder for job seekers to verify the credentials of recruitment agencies and be wary of demands for large upfront payments, particularly from social media personalities promising overseas opportunities.

As investigations continue, authorities are urging any additional victims to come forward and report their experiences to help build a comprehensive case against the alleged fraud scheme.