KENYA: Fraud Suspect Rish Kamunge Granted Ksh.5 Million Bond

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya

Maria Wangari Kamunge, widely known as TikToker Rish Kamunge, has been released on a bond of Ksh.5 million after being taken into custody over allegations of orchestrating a job scam.

Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina made the ruling, rejecting the prosecution’s plea to keep her in detention for an additional seven days to allow for further investigations.

The court determined that there was no compelling justification to prolong her detention.

Kamunge, operating under Trustpine Verified Agent Ltd, allegedly defrauded individuals by promising job opportunities abroad in exchange for payments ranging from Ksh.200,000 to Ksh.300,000.

However, victims claim that after receiving their money, she failed to deliver on her promises and disappeared.

Between January and March 2025, at least 43 individuals reportedly sent her a total of Ksh.12.9 million.

Following multiple complaints, she was apprehended in Nairobi and handed over to authorities. Since her arrest, more victims have come forward with similar claims.

The magistrate has instructed Kamunge to continue reporting to investigators until the case is resolved.