Angry Kenyans storm travel agency after being conned millions in Mauritius job scam

Chaos erupted on Tuesday as desperate job seekers stormed Trustpin Travel Agency along Moi Avenue, Nairobi, accusing it of swindling them out of millions under the false promise of securing jobs in Mauritius.

The victims, furious and determined, claimed they had been conned. In large numbers, the enraged crowd made their frustration known, unwilling to listen to any explanations. They forced their way into the agency’s offices, demanding an immediate refund of their hard-earned money.

The scene was charged, emotions running high as the betrayed job seekers took matters into their own hands.

"I paid in installments, I am a driver and a caregiver. The director told us that jobs were ready and that once we got there, we would start working according to what he had planned for us,” said Faith Nasimiyu, a victim.

The victims revealed that they discovered the travel agency through an online platform, where its director heavily advertised job opportunities abroad for unemployed Kenyans. Hopeful for a better future, they walked into the agency armed with documents and substantial sums of money.

They met director Mary Kamunge, and were instructed to pay between Ksh.200,000 and Ksh.400,000 for airfare, agency fees, and other costs. Some took loans, others sold property—only to realize they had fallen into a devastating scam.

“I paid Ksh.193,00 for a job that wasn’t there,” said Beatrice Njoki, another victim.

Some victims made it to Mauritius, only to find themselves stranded at the airport. After days without food or support, they were deported back to Kenya, forced to face the harsh reality of their shattered dreams.

“We stayed at the airport for three days without any food. We were told to wait for the plane that brought us there to take us back to Nairobi,” Nasimiyu added.

“I managed to raise Ksh.430,000 for my brother to secure a job in Mauritius. He did not get a job when he arrived,” said Erick Ochieng.

Desperate for justice, today’s move was their last hope in exposing the latest job scam. They claim to have reported the matter to Central Police Station in Nairobi, but little action was taken.

Meanwhile, Trustpin Travel Agency Director Mary Kamunge, through her lawyer, insists plans are underway to refund victims—though deductions will be made for expenses the company allegedly incurred during the process.

"The agreement is we are going to deduct some amount that was used to help facilitate their travel, already we are working on refunding some amounts, this is an isolated case,” the lawyer said.