How jobs scam suspect eyed profit in Ruto’s Germany tour
During President William Ruto’s mid-September visit to Germany to sign a bilateral labour agreement, a delegation of recruitment agents accompanied him, travelling at their own expense to meet potential employers. Among them was Ceaser Wagicheru Kingori, a job recruiter and Director of Vintmark Travel Agency, a company already under investigation for job fraud.
Kingori intended to seek job opportunities for his clients in Kenya by networking with potential employers in Germany. He even posed for photos with top government officials, seemingly positioning himself close to power to further his business interests.
However, while he was rubbing shoulders with leaders in Germany, he had left a trail of victims in Kenya. Investigators had summoned him for questioning over his job racket even as he attended meetings in Europe.
At the centre of the complaints is approximately Sh720 million that local and foreign job seekers claim to have lost to Kingori through dubious job connections.
The Nation reviewed witness statements filed at the DCI Nairobi office by those seeking refunds. Among the complainants is Samuel Kamando, who claims to have paid Sh150,000 for a job in Canada; Paul Mbatia from Kiambu, seeking a refund of Sh150,000; Mary Wangari, who lost Sh150,000 out of Sh300,000 she was to pay for a job in the UK; South African Matshediso Ndhlovu, claiming Sh130,000 for a caregiver job in the UK; and Congolese national Nsimire Mindinga, who seeks Sh150,000 for a job in Canada.
Despite these ongoing investigations, Kingori continues seeking new clients, promising jobs in Germany. After his Berlin visit, Vintmark Travel Agency posted job openings in Germany, urging people to start the application process.
The Nation contacted several authorities about why Kingori, who is under investigation, is still allowed to operate.
National Employment Authority (NEA) Director General Edith Okoki said, “We are aware of the issues raised against Vintmark Travel Agency and have written to them this week to respond to the complaints. If they fail to do so within seven days, we will cancel their license.”
Nairobi Regional Criminal Investigations Officer Njeru Nthigah told the Nation, “I plan to meet with CS Mutua to explain how deep the fraud is in recruitment agencies and the urgent interventions needed to address this worrying trend.”
CS Mutua has also pledged to investigate the matter, clarifying, “All these agents paid their own way. Recruitment agents who flew from Kenya or are residents in Germany numbered over 50.”
According to details seen by NTV, Kingori is both a shareholder and director of Vintmark Travel Agency Ltd.
He did not respond to calls or text messages when reached for comment.
Also read: How shrewd jobs fraud suspect exploited President Ruto’s Germany tour
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