DPP Asks Court for More Time in Probe of sh72.8M Kazi Majuu Funds

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The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has moved to court seeking an additional month to complete investigations into the alleged loss of sh72.8 million under the Kazi Majuu programme at the Ministry of Labour.

The Four suspects:Rahma Ochieng Pacho, Rachael Njoki Kariuki, Vincent Oyugi Omondi, and Samuel Kibuti Njue,are under investigation over claims of conspiracy to defraud, abuse of office, and offences linked to money laundering and proceeds of crime.

Appearing before Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina on Monday, March 23, 2026, the prosecution made an oral request for more time, stating that investigations were still ongoing. 

From right,Rahma Ochieng, Njoki Kariuki, Oyugi Omondi and Kibuti Njue appear before Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina on Friday, January 30, 2026.



The investigating officer reportedly indicated that key aspects of the probe remain incomplete.

The court was further informed that investigators are planning to travel to Dubai to record additional witness statements and gather further evidence crucial to the case.

According to the prosecution, the complexity of the matter characterized by multiple witnesses, forensic analysis, and coordination among different agencies necessitates the extension.

“Your honour, we request one month to finalise investigations due to the complexity of the case, which involves extensive verification and forensic processes,” the prosecution submitted.

The State further argued that granting the extension would not prejudice the suspects, as they are currently out on bond. 

It also assured the court that a detailed affidavit outlining progress in the investigations will be presented during the next mention.

However, the defence opposed the application, urging the court to dismiss it until the prosecution is ready to formally charge the accused. 

The defence also requested that the suspects’ passports, currently held by the court, be released, assuring that their clients would comply with any future summons.

Court documents indicate that the case was initially reported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) by Rahma, a director at Zawadi Jobs Abroad Limited.

She alleged that Njoki and Oyugi—who are reportedly married—approached her with a proposal despite lacking a valid licence from the National Employment Authority (NEA), claiming they had secured job opportunities in Dubai for over 1,000 individuals.

After several engagements, Rahma agreed to collaborate and uploaded the job demand details from a Dubai-based firm onto the NEA portal.

During a government recruitment exercise along the Coast including Malindi, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Mambrui the trio allegedly facilitated access to funding through the Youth Fund under the Kazi Majuu initiative.

A total of 364 applicants reportedly received government-backed loans amounting to sh72.8 million, disbursed by July 2025. 

The funds were initially deposited into individual accounts at Equity Bank before being transferred to accounts linked to the recruiting agency.

Further investigations suggest that Rahma later entered into agreements assigning roles among the parties. 

Payments amounting to over sh13.5 million were allegedly made to Glorivin International for visa processing, while an additional sh10.9 million was sent to Taushi Tours and Travel Ltd on different dates.

The application further claims that Njoki admitted to diverting part of the funds for personal use, including settling school fee arrears and repaying a loan. 

Some funds were reportedly refunded to Rahma through mobile money transactions between July 2025 and January 2026.

Investigators allege that the suspects conspired to share the funds meant for youth employment opportunities rather than using them for the intended purpose.

The court is set to deliver its ruling on the request for extension on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

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