In a shocking turn of events, the bustling City of Champions, Eldoret, has been plagued by the harrowing cries of thousands of vulnerable parents and youths who fell victim to a fraudulent promise of job opportunities abroad. Uasin Gishu county, known for its vibrant spirit and commendable achievements, has been marred by the activities of the First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Agency, leaving families devastated and aspirations shattered. What was once a beacon of hope has now transformed into a city of tears.
At the center of this heart-wrenching narrative is Judy Jepchirchir, the alleged mastermind behind the First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Agency’s deceitful scheme. The agency purportedly offered more than 8,000 young people in Uasin Gishu county the promise of lucrative job placements overseas, only to defraud them of millions of shillings. These victims, eager to secure a better future, entrusted their dreams and hard-earned savings to Judy’s agency, only to be met with empty promises and shattered hopes.
Judy Jepchirchir’s prominence was not limited to her agency’s fraudulent activities. She also played a significant role in the “Kazi Majuu” platform, a government initiative aimed at helping Kenyan citizens secure employment opportunities abroad. This platform, launched with great fanfare and optimism, was presided over by none other than President Ruto himself. Judy’s association with this project raises unsettling questions about the depth of her influence within the Ministry of Labor and the broader kazi majuu initiative.
The audacity of Judy’s actions and the scale of the scam have left many wondering just how powerful and untouchable she might be. Vulnerable parents, who had entrusted their children’s futures to the promises of the agency, now find themselves in a state of despair and anger. The cries of these families echo throughout the city, exposing the grim reality of shattered dreams and financial ruin.
A disturbing aspect that emerges from this ordeal is the media’s role in inadvertently aiding the scam. Judy Jepchirchir was once hailed as “Mwanamke Bomba” (a Swahili term for a strong and influential woman) by certain media outlets, a title that gave her a veneer of credibility. This label helped her gain the trust of thousands, only for their trust to be exploited and their lives turned upside down. The media’s unquestioning promotion of her image not only facilitated the fraud but also raises important questions about the responsibility of journalism in scrutinizing the subjects it covers.
In a desperate attempt to bring justice to the victims, an ad hoc committee was established by the Uasin Gishu county assembly. On February 3rd, 2023, Judy Jepchirchir was summoned to testify before this committee. However, instead of providing clarity and solace, she revealed her true colors as a hostile witness. This blatant display of defiance only further underscored the gravity of the situation and the urgency of holding those responsible to account.
As the City of Champions grapples with this shocking scandal, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of accountability and transparency in both government initiatives and private enterprises. The tale of the First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Scam serves as a sobering reminder that even in the most promising circumstances, greed and deception can infiltrate and devastate the lives of the innocent. Uasin Gishu county, once a symbol of achievement and progress, is now fighting to overcome the wounds inflicted by the City of Cries, as it strives to rebuild shattered dreams and restore faith in the pursuit of a better futur