The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has recommended charges against Judy Chepchirchir, Director of First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Agency, for obtaining money by false pretences. The move follows widespread allegations of fraud, with over 5,000 young people claiming they were defrauded by the agency in a scheme promising overseas job placements, particularly in the run-up to the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Paul Wachira, Assistant Inspector General of the DCI, presented the findings before the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, chaired by Sen Julius Murgor, revealing that 201 victims who were defrauded a total of Kshs. 8,034,560 had recorded statements. He noted that the true number of victims could be significantly higher. The DCI has recommended Chepchirchir be charged under Section 313 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of three years for obtaining by false pretences.

However, some senators expressed dissatisfaction with the limited scope of the charges. Vice-chair of the Committee, Sen George Mbugua, questioned whether the DCI was being lenient, considering the scale of the alleged scam. Sen. Samson Cherarkey, who sought the Statement, suggested the agency’s director should also face charges of forgery, data protection violations—particularly regarding the collection of blood samples—and intimidation of witnesses.

The Assets Recovery Agency, which was tasked with repossessing assets of the Agency, requested 90 days to enforce the committee’s recommendations. Meanwhile, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) distanced itself from the investigation, arguing that the offences fell under the Penal Code, not the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act. Deputy CEO Abdi Mohamud confirmed that the EACC had not pursued the case, leaving the DCI to lead the charge.

Frustration over the perceived inaction of key institutions, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) and the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), was palpable during the hearing. Senators openly questioned whether Chepchirchir was receiving special protection. The lead petitioner, Mr. Kimutai Kirui, representing the victims, echoed these sentiments, accusing the ODPP of delaying justice and calling for reforms to address what he described as "the monster of impunity."

The Senate Committee resolved to summon Chepchirchir to appear before the Committee on 3rd October, 2024.