Authorities are currently on the hunt for a city pastor accused of defrauding unsuspecting Kenyans of a staggering KSh600 million under the guise of securing overseas employment opportunities for them.
The alleged perpetrator, Pastor James Wanjohi of Jesus Culture Ministries in Roysambu, purportedly targeted individuals ranging from recent graduates to elderly citizens seeking opportunities abroad. Operating through an agency known as Worth Start in Nairobi, Pastor Wanjohi reportedly executed his scheme.
One victim, an elderly woman, recounted her experience of taking out a loan to pay Pastor Wanjohi’s agency. “I borrowed money from a group of women. On the first day, I paid KSh140,000 and later added KSh10,000, totaling KSh150,000. I was then told to wait for further instructions,” she lamented.
However, Pastor Wanjohi ceased communication for months, responding to inquiries with hostility and threats whenever approached for updates.
Similar accounts emerged from other victims who paid sums ranging from KSh100,000 to KSh150,000, promised employment opportunities in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Finland.
A poster outside his office advertised various services, including international study scholarships, immigration consultancy, visa processing, healthcare facilitation, and job placement.
In a recent development, law enforcement officers raided the pastor’s offices, confiscating monitors, files, and other materials to aid their investigation. Several senior employees were also detained for questioning, while Pastor Wanjohi remains at large.
The defrauded victims, now stepping forward to provide statements to the authorities, are demanding restitution for their losses.
