The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, on Thursday, ordered the arrest of First Choice Recruitment Agency Director Judy Chepchirchir, intensifying investigations on the alleged job scheme that left 5,000 youths stranded.
Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, while making recommendations for her arrest, urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to hold Chepchirchir accountable for her actions and finally deliver justice to her victims.
He was seconded by Mombasa senator Mohammed Faki who requested they also charge her for failing to adhere to several Senate Summons by the committee.
Timothy Nderitu, Director of Corporate Services at Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) also present at the meeting shed light on how some of the proceeds from the scam were utilised by several suspects mentioned in the scheme.
Labour CS Alfred Mutua appearing in Parliament.
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Alfred Mutua
He revealed that a caveat had been placed on 21 motor vehicles registered under the names of seven key suspects connected to the scheme who allegedly conned unsuspecting Uasin Gishu County residents off Ksh1 billion.
Further suspicious financial activities were observed by the ARA mostly stemming from the fact that First Choice Recruitment was operating seven bank accounts across five banks, showing clear patterns of money laundering.
“Between 2020 and 2023, these accounts received approximately Ksh 300 million, with most of the money being withdrawn in cash just below the reporting threshold, indicating an attempt to avoid detection,” Nderitu said.
27 accounts are also currently under review after many of them were emptied despite handling significant sums during the period in question.
Also present at the Committee was Labour CS Alfred Mutua who reaffirmed that the Fist Choice Recruitment Agency was not authorised and that Judy Chepchirchir and other directors of the agency were barred from ever registering or managing any other recruitment agency by the National Employment Authority (NEA).
Nominated senator Gloria Orwoba criticised the ministry and the NEA in particular, calling for its disbandment for leaving Kenyans vulnerable to fraudulent activities.
Petitioners, led by Mr Kimutai Kirui, accused the directors of First Choice of operating with impunity, using proxies to continue their illegal activities despite ongoing investigations.
However, Dr Mutua reassured victims of the scam that his Ministry would assist them in seeking justice and securing alternative employment opportunities abroad.
He also urged Kenyans to perform due diligence before engaging with recruitment agencies, highlighting that relevant information is available on the NEA website.
A photo of the National Employment Authority
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