Woman charged in Sh2 million overseas jobs scam that targeted desperate jobseekers

A woman at the centre of an alleged recruitment scam that targets desperate Kenyan jobseekers has been arrested.

The scam has left numerous families financially devastated and emotionally shattered .

Paul Bowen Kipchimo and Nathan Chelimo are among the victims. Late last year, they were promised visas and employment opportunities in the US and Qatar, respectively.

The two cumulatively lost Sh 2.05 million to Ruth Naeku Olkeri, identified as the alleged mastermind of the operation.

Naeku’s mother, who remains at large along with other accomplices has also been implicated in the fraud scheme.

Appearing before Principal Magistrate Juliana Ndeng’eri, Naeku faced multiple charges, including obtaining money by false pretenses conspiracy to commit a felony, making false representation of an identity card contrary to the Registration of Persons Act, and engaging in organised criminal activity contrary to the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

The court heard that, between December 11, 2025, and February 28, 2026, Naeku and an accomplice ( her mother) not before the court obtained Sh 1.4 million from Bowen. They falsely pretended to have the capacity to secure visas and employment opportunities abroad, a claim they knew to be untrue.

During the same period, Naeku allegedly obtained Sh 650,000 from Chelimo on the pretext of facilitating a Qatar visa, passport processing, and related travel arrangements, for his uncle.

None of which materialised.

Bowen and Chelimo were initially approached by Naeku’s mother, who presented herself as a well-connected agent capable of facilitating overseas employment opportunities.

She claimed her daughter worked as a nurse in the Australia and could expedite visa processes.

Seeking better prospects for his two sons in the US, Bowen was persuaded to part with Sh1.4 million.

He made multiple payments to various mobile numbers provided by Naeku’s mother and handed over an additional Sh300,000 in cash. One of Bowen’s sons also paid Sh400,000.

Chelimo, who hoped to send his uncle to Qatar, paid Sh 649,000, part of which he borrowed from Bowen

The suspects assured the victims that the processes were progressing smoothly and urged patience, promising travel by the end of December 2025.

After receiving the funds, however, they switched off their phones and went silent. The victims subsequently reported the matter at Kayole Police Station.

Detectives uncovered money laundering patterns, with funds allegedly moved between the suspects’ networks and even transferred to lawyers, whom investigators claim were instructed to intimidate victims and police against pursuing prosecution.

The matter shall be heard on August 20, 2026.

Analysis of M-Pesa statements clearly mapped the flow of proceeds from victims to accounts linked to Naeku. She was arrested at a hideout in Rongai-Nkoroi, while her mother was traced to Kiligoris where she disappeared.

Police, through an affidavit have maintained that all arrests were conducted lawfully. “Officers identified themselves, used appropriate transport, and respected the suspects’ rights by allowing her to contact family members and lawyers”.

They have refuted claims that Naeku was transported in a car boot while handcuffed or denied food. Investigations further revealed that Naeku’s mother and her network allegedly posed as influential figures with government and KDF connections.

Naeku reportedly leveraged claims about her mother’s status and an alleged sister working as a nurse in Australia to build credibility.

The syndicate is suspected of victimising numerous families through false promises of visas, overseas jobs, and military recruitment slots.

Following her plea if not guilty, the matter is yet to be consolidated with a previous file of Kenneth Musyoka, an alleged accomplice who was released on a cash bail of Sh 1 Million or an alternative bond of Sh 2 Million.

The matter shall be heard on August 20, 2026.