Popular TikToker Maria Rish Kamunge has been arrested over allegations of defrauding Kenyans of millions of shillings through her overseas job placement agency.

According to NTV, a group of frustrated victims stormed her office in Nairobi's CBD on Wednesday, March 26, demanding answers and producing evidence of promised but undelivered jobs, as well as payments allegedly made to her agency.

Following the complaints, police took Kamunge into custody as investigations commenced, urging more victims to come forward and record statements.

One of the victims, Nasimiyu, shared her harrowing experience with NTV, explaining how she was allegedly left stranded at the airport after following all the required procedures.

"I did everything they asked, but it still failed. When I came back to demand a refund, they refused, saying I could try another country instead. I declined because it had failed too many times. When I insisted on my refund, they even threatened to call the police to kick me out to Central Police Station," she lamented.

Another victim, Harrison Bhagwasi, boarded a flight to Mauritius on March 13, 2025, hoping to secure a dream job at a five-star hotel.

However, his aspirations were crushed shortly after arrival, as the promised job did not exist.

Kamunge’s lawyer has since claimed that the situation was a case of misrepresentation and assured that victims would be refunded.

The case has ignited strong reactions online, with many Kenyans calling for justice for the job seekers who were allegedly duped.

Some are urging authorities to tighten regulations on recruitment agencies to prevent such scams from recurring.

Here are some comments:

@MansaMusa001:

"Ukiona such scammers operating for such a long time with impunity mjue anakula na Polisi...mambo haya sio mageni jijini bana."

@HubasaFamily254:

"Surprisingly utapata amechomoka for lack of evidence!!!! None is safe until she's in Lang'ata women prison."

@josephmuli4551:

"I can't give somebody KSh 400,000, better open a business ata nipate soo 500 per day."

@OfficiallyMrsB:

"People are so shameless they prey on people who are already down sad world we live in."

@eomanga:

"Nothing will be done to her. She'll soon be elected to parliament."

@sylvesterwanga7839:

"She'll be contesting for a political seat in 2027 and get elected."

The TikToker shot to fame after clout chasing with Pastor Kanyari's name, alleging they had an affair.

She went viral in May 2024 for flirting with Pastor Kanyari during a TikTok Live session. The controversial businesswoman later claimed she was pregnant for Kanyari. She further alleged that the Salvation Healing Ministry founder had bought her a car and had spent a night at her place.

The allegations saw Kanyari trend online, with netizens criticising him for misbehaving despite being a man of God.

The father of two denied having an affair with Rish, maintaining he met her once when she attended a service at his Nyama Kima church. During the service, Rish was accompanied by fellow TikToker Faith Peters, who gifted Kanyari a packet of condoms among other 'embarrassing' gifts.

Rish who also faced backlash online, came out to apologise to Kanyari, reggreting her actions. She pleaded with netizens and members of Kanyari's church for forgiveness.

In the past, the embattled TikToker was rumoured to have been involved in a secret affair with popular comedian Terence Creative.

In a video shared on Milly Chebby’s YouTube channel, Terence took the opportunity to address the swirling rumours regarding his alleged infidelity, which had nearly led to the collapse of his marriage.

The comedian firmly denied the claims that he had cheated on his wife, Milly, with Kamunge.

He went on to clarify that he had never, at any point, met the TikToker in person.

Likewise, Kamunge also came forward to refute the claims.

She shared a video in which she categorically denied ever meeting Terence.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke