A woman accused of orchestrating a multi-million shilling overseas employment scam has pleaded not guilty before a court in Eldoret.
Lenah Jelagat Too, a 37-year-old recruitment agency operator, was presented before Senior Principal Magistrate Kesse Cheronoh to answer charges of obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code. Prosecutors allege the scheme involved losses exceeding Ksh13 million.
According to court filings, Ms Too is accused of luring job seekers with promises of lucrative opportunities abroad, including positions in nursing, caregiving, security services and hotel housekeeping. Victims were allegedly told they would earn monthly salaries ranging between Ksh150,000 and Ksh500,000.
To secure the offers, the job seekers were reportedly asked to part with sums ranging from Ksh300,000 to as much as Ksh3.8 million each. Investigators claim the payments were made through a bank account and an M-Pesa line linked to the accused and her family. Despite making the payments, the complainants were allegedly never issued with travel documents, leaving many financially strained and stranded.
The prosecution further stated that the accused reassured clients by promising additional benefits, including free accommodation and fully catered meals from their supposed employers overseas, a move said to have helped build trust.
Ms Too asked the court for lenient bail terms, arguing that her release would allow her to begin refunding the affected clients. The magistrate granted her a bond of Ksh1 million, with an alternative cash bail of Ksh400,000, pending the hearing and determination of the case.
