Two men have been arraigned before Milimani Law Courts Magistrate Lucas Onyina after allegedly defrauding two Kenyan women of Kshs 860,000 in a fake job recruitment scheme that promised non-existent employment opportunities in the United Kingdom.
The accused, George Ndung’u Ngugi and John Kahura Kinyanjui, were arrested on September 26, 2025, following investigations led by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). They now face multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, and money laundering.
The Alleged Scam
Court documents show the scheme unfolded between April 1 and July 10, 2025, in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
The prosecution alleges that Ngugi and Kinyanjui falsely represented themselves as job placement agents who could secure overseas employment for two women:
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Alice Njeri Kamau, who reportedly lost Kshs 460,000.
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Joyce Wairimu Mwicigi, who allegedly lost Kshs 400,000.
Both victims were assured that the payments would secure them lucrative employment opportunities in the United Kingdom. However, the jobs never existed.
Charges Against the Accused
The two men jointly face a conspiracy to defraud charge under Section 317 of the Penal Code.
In addition:
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George Ndung’u Ngugi faces direct charges for obtaining the money by false pretences.
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On July 9, 2025, he allegedly obtained Kshs 460,000 from Ms. Kamau.
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On July 10, 2025, he allegedly received Kshs 400,000 from Ms. Mwicigi.
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The prosecution further added money laundering charges against Ngugi. Investigators traced the stolen funds as follows:
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Kshs 460,000 was transferred from Ms. Kamau’s Cooperative Bank account to Ngugi’s Equity Bank account.
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Kshs 400,000 was transferred from Ms. Mwicigi’s K-Unity Sacco account into the same Equity Bank account.
The ODPP argues that Ngugi knew or ought to have known the funds were proceeds of crime, obtained by false pretences. For each transfer, he also faces alternative charges of possession of proceeds of crime.
Wider Context
The case highlights the growing menace of employment scams in Kenya, where fraudsters target desperate job seekers by offering fake overseas jobs. With rising unemployment, many victims fall prey to such schemes, often parting with their life savings in the hope of securing better opportunities abroad.
Authorities have urged Kenyans to verify any recruitment agency with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and to be cautious of individuals demanding large upfront payments for job placements abroad.
What’s Next
The prosecution has opposed bail, citing the risk of interference with witnesses and further fraud attempts. Magistrate Lucas Onyina will determine the next steps in the trial after hearing submissions from both sides.
If convicted, the accused could face long prison terms, hefty fines, and forfeiture of assets linked to the crime under Kenya’s Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.
For now, the case serves as a warning to job seekers to be vigilant against employment fraud schemes that exploit vulnerable Kenyans seeking opportunities overseas.