The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is intensifying its nationwide manhunt for a fugitive prison warden identified as the prime suspect in a massive Sh133.8 million Teachers Service Commission (TSC) employment scam that has left hundreds of unemployed teachers devastated and in debt.
The elusive warden – reportedly an aide to a prominent United Democratic Alliance (UDA) politician – went underground last week after getting wind that detectives were closing in for his arrest. According to court proceedings in Bomet, he stands accused of masterminding a ruthless cartel that preyed on desperate job seekers by promising guaranteed TSC teaching positions in exchange for hefty bribes.
Victims, mainly trained but unemployed teachers from counties including Bomet, Kericho, Narok, Nakuru, Nyamira, and Kisii, shelled out between Sh400,000 and Sh700,000 each for forged appointment letters and “facilitation fees.” Many reportedly took loans or liquidated family assets to pay up, only to discover the jobs were fake and the promises hollow. The total fraud has now ballooned to Sh133.8 million, with investigators warning the figure could climb higher as more victims step forward.
In dramatic updates from Bomet Senior Principal Magistrate Stephen Onjoro’s court, a prosecutor confirmed: “One suspect, a prison warden, is being sought in connection with the fraud that has cost victims Sh133.8 million. Investigators are on his trail, and he will be arraigned in court once arrested.”
The DCI has already nabbed several accomplices in the racket:
– Richard Kiprotich Kirui, a police officer attached to Mugango Police Station in Bomet Central, who denied charges and was granted Sh2 million bond.
– Four others – including Konoin Sub-County TSC Director David Kipngeno Kemei, former Bomet Woman Representative aspirant Rosebellah Chepkemoi Korir, Mercy Cherotich, and Siele Leonard Towett – released on Sh1 million bond each.
Court orders have empowered detectives to seize phones, access bank accounts, and comb through financial records to trace the illicit cash flows, which came via M-PESA, bank deposits, and hard cash.
The Teachers Service Commission has reiterated that genuine recruitment is merit-based and free, urging victims to report without fear of reprisal. TSC officials stress no legitimate jobs require upfront payments, and the scandal has already triggered punitive transfers of senior county officers.
As the DCI ramps up the chase for the missing prison warden, questions swirl about high-level connections and how deep the corruption runs in public sector hiring. Authorities are appealing for tips from the public to track the fugitive and bring the full syndicate to justice.
Stay tuned for updates on this explosive education sector fraud – one of the largest TSC job scams to rock Kenya in recent years. Have you or someone you know been affected? Report to DCI or TSC authorities immediately.
