The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken over the probe into the alleged conning of hundreds of youths in the North Rift region by the Eldoret-based First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy.
This follows complaints from some of those that the agency is said to have promised to secure their employment in Qatar ahead of the World Cup.
For the past three days, the applicants who had already paid for the jobs have been camping at the agency’s offices demanding answers over the fate of their Qatar jobs.
Those that have spoken to Uasin Gishu News claim they should have travelled by the end of July but to date, there have been no communications from the First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy management.
With the management seemingly not addressing their concerns, the applicants on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, took to the streets of Eldoret town and marched to the county commissioner’s office to present their grievances.
Turbo Deputy County Commissioner Mohammed Mwabudzo while addressing them noted that receipts and the process used by the agency were questionable.
“We have questioned the process and the way the agency was recruiting people. They have issued receipts that do not bear their official stamp and the period people were to travel has already passed,” Mwabudzo told journalists.
Record statement with DCI
He revealed all those that were to travel to Qatar for the said jobs have been asked to record statements with the DCI to allow a probe into the agency to officially begin.
“I have spoken with the director who has told me the matter will be handled within the next two weeks but that pledge is also not a sufficient guarantee. We have asked all complaining to record statements so that police handles the issue,” noted the Turbo DCC.
Human Rights activists joined the youths in holding peaceful demonstrations and demanded that the First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy offices be closed as investigations continue.
Led by Nick Omito and Agatha Mukami, the activists claimed the agency is linked to some powerful politicians and businesspersons in the country.
However, they demanded that all those involved in the scam be dealt with, irrespective of their political affiliations and influence they have.
“We expect this matter to take a criminal route. We’re demanding action to be taken even if they are powerful government officials involved,” Omito said.
“People sold their land, cars and everything so that their children can travel abroad, culprits should not be spared,” he added.
Visa processing delay
Even as those that were to travel to Qatar fear having been conned, the agency insists they will keep their promise of securing them jobs before the World Cup starts in November 2022.
It claims there have been delays in Visa processing due to huge applications across the globe ahead of the continental football extravaganza.
“The challenge we are experiencing as an Agency is delays of visa processing due to influx of persons applying for Fifa World Cup in Qatar 2022. We appeal to all our applicants to be patient…” First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy posted on their Facebook page on September 10, 2022.
Also Read: Locals Demand Refund from First Choice Recruitment Agency over ‘Failed’ Qatar Jobs
