TikTok Star Rish Kamunge Arrested For Fraud Allegations

Maria Wangari Kamunge, better known as Rish Kamunge, a popular Kenyan TikToker and entrepreneur, found herself at the center of a dramatic confrontation that would lead to her arrest. What began as a promising career built on social media influence and a travel agency promising overseas job opportunities has unraveled into a high-profile fraud case, leaving dozens of Kenyans reeling and demanding justice. Kamunge’s arrest marks a significant turn in her public persona—from a celebrated content creator to a suspect accused of defrauding job seekers out of millions of shillings.

The Storming of Trustpine Travel Agency

The saga unfolded in Nairobi’s Central Business District, where a group of frustrated Kenyans stormed Kamunge’s office on Moi Avenue, home to her agency, Trustpine Travel Agency (also referred to as Trustpin Verified Agent Ltd in some reports). These individuals, armed with documents and receipts, claimed they had paid between Ksh 200,000 and Ksh 400,000 each for job placements abroad, primarily in Mauritius, only to discover the opportunities were nonexistent. Some victims recounted harrowing experiences of traveling overseas, only to be stranded at airports or deported when the promised jobs failed to materialize.
The situation escalated quickly as the angry crowd apprehended Kamunge and handed her over to the Central Police Station. News of her detention spread like wildfire, prompting more victims to come forward with similar complaints. By March 27, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had taken over the case, revealing that Kamunge allegedly swindled 43 victims out of a staggering Ksh 12.9 million.

The Allegations: A Fake Job Scheme Unraveled

Kamunge’s agency marketed itself as a gateway to international employment, capitalizing on her substantial TikTok following to attract desperate job seekers. Through glossy videos showcasing a lavish lifestyle—private jets, luxury cars, and exotic vacations—she projected an image of success and reliability. Her posts promised seamless job placements abroad, targeting Kenyans eager to improve their livelihoods. However, the reality was far bleaker.
According to the DCI, victims paid hefty fees for supposed visa processing, travel arrangements, and job guarantees. Faith Nasimiyu, one of the affected individuals, was among those who demanded refunds after being left in limbo. Others, like Harrison Bhagwasi, traveled to Mauritius on March 13, 2025, expecting employment at a five-star hotel, only to find themselves abandoned with no job in sight. Reports also surfaced of women stranded in Mauritius, forced to pose as tourists to avoid immigration issues, with one group alleging a cab driver demanded Ksh 40,000 to “arrange” work.
The prosecution painted a damning picture: Kamunge collected payments via M-Pesa, then allegedly went silent, leaving her clients high and dry. Nairobi Central Sub-County Commander Stephen Okal urged additional victims to report to the police, signaling that the scope of the scam might be even larger than initially thought.

Courtroom Drama and a Night in Custody

On March 27, Kamunge appeared before Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina, where the state sought to detain her for seven days to complete their investigation. Prosecuting counsel Hillary Isiako argued that her release posed a public safety risk, citing the outrage among defrauded victims. The state also labeled her a flight risk, noting it took two months to apprehend her after complaints were first lodged—an assertion her lawyers contested.
Kamunge’s defense team, led by Lewis Gicheha and Alex Kubo, pushed back fiercely. They claimed she voluntarily surrendered to the police to report a disturbance at her office, contradicting the narrative of a citizen’s arrest by an angry mob. They portrayed her as a single mother whose detention would harm her school-going daughter, urging the court to grant reasonable bail terms. “She is not hiding; she has been out of the country,” Kubo argued, promising her full cooperation with the investigation.
Despite their pleas, Magistrate Onyina ordered Kamunge detained overnight at Capitol Hill Police Station, deferring the bond ruling to March 28. The decision came late in the day, past regular court hours, adding a layer of tension to the proceedings.

Release on Bond—and Lingering Questions

On March 28, 2025, Kamunge returned to court, where Magistrate Onyina ruled in her favor. Rejecting the state’s request for extended custody, he released her on a Ksh 5 million personal bond without surety, finding no compelling evidence to justify further detention. However, she was ordered to remain available to assist investigators, with her lawyers disclosing her residence and workplace to ensure compliance.
The ruling sparked mixed reactions. Some saw it as a fair outcome, given the lack of concrete evidence presented at that stage, while others worried it might embolden her to evade justice. The state had warned of her potential to flee, pointing to her frequent international travel—a hallmark of the lifestyle she flaunted online.

A Tarnished Reputation

Kamunge’s arrest is not her first brush with controversy. In 2024, she publicly distanced herself from Pastor Victor Kanyari after a scandal involving inappropriate gifts at his church, admitting to “clout chasing” for attention. That episode, coupled with earlier rumors of theft and personal losses, had already cast shadows over her credibility. Now, the fraud allegations threaten to dismantle the empire she built on TikTok, where her blend of travel content, business tips, and gospel-turned-mugiithi music once captivated thousands.
Her lawyer has maintained that the job scam stemmed from misrepresentation by rogue associates, promising refunds to affected clients. Yet, as investigations continue, the question remains: Was Kamunge a mastermind behind a calculated fraud, or a figurehead caught in a poorly managed operation?