TikToker Maria Kamunge released on Sh5 million bond in Mauritius job scam case
Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina granted the bond on Friday morning even after the prosecution team opposed her release, requesting an additional seven days to conclude investigations.
TikToker Maria Wangari Kamunge, alias Rish Kamunge, has been granted a Sh5 million bond after being arrested and arraigned over fraud allegations.
She is accused of defrauding victims by promising them job opportunities in Mauritius, which ultimately did not materialise. Kamunge, who was operating an international job agency under the name Trustpin Verified Agent Limited, allegedly received payments via M-Pesa to a number registered under her name.
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Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina granted the bond on Friday morning even after the prosecution team opposed her release, requesting an additional seven days to conclude investigations.
However, Magistrate Onyina ruled that the prosecution had failed to provide compelling reasons for Kamunge's continued detention. He pointed out that the prosecution had not demonstrated any risk to Kamunge's safety or presented evidence of multiple complainants filing grievances.
"The prosecution has not demonstrated that the suspect's safety is at risk or provided evidence of multiple complainants filing grievances," Magistrate Onyina stated in his ruling.
The court also directed Kamunge to report to the investigating officer regularly until the case is concluded.
Kamunge is accused of defrauding 43 victims who had paid large sums of money for job placements abroad. These victims, many of whom had paid between Sh200,000 and Sh400,000 for job opportunities in Mauritius, were left stranded abroad with no assistance, and in some cases, they were deported back to Kenya after realising there were no jobs.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kamunge received the payments through M-Pesa but disappeared after collecting the money, leaving victims in limbo.
The DCI revealed that Kamunge defrauded a total of 43 victims, who collectively sent Sh12.9 million for non-existent job placements. Upon arriving in Mauritius, many victims found there were no jobs available. Some were left stranded at the Mauritius airport without assistance, and others were deported back to Kenya without explanation or support.
In light of these findings, the DCI has urged anyone who may have been deceived to come forward and report the matter at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
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