Businessman James Wanjohi who was linked to claims of visa fraud that reportedly affected 4,000 Kenyans who claimed to have lost over Sh600 million arrived in the country Monday.
Wanjohi together with his lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, thereafter, presented themselves at the Nairobi Regional Police headquarters voluntarily to provide their side of the story.
His Lawyer Ndegwa said they met DCI officers and recorded statements regarding complaints raised against his client.
He denied fraud claims linked to his client saying they provided what they believe to be the true state of affairs regarding the matter.
"We have recorded the statement. Contrary to what has gone to the press before, my client has not been involved in whichever way in the manner the media has picked it up," Ndegwa said.
"We voluntarily came before the investigation officer to answer to those allegations and we have answered to those allegations count by count."
Wanjohi, through his lawyer, added that he does not run a recruitment agency as earlier claimed as he only offers a visa facilitation service.
"Contrary to what is in the public that our client was running a recruitment agency, the fact is our client runs a visa facilitation company," Ndegwa said.
"At no given time did my client run an employment bureau. This is business rivalry. All materials that are here are fictitious."
Ndegwa added that his client's business is a legitimate one and is still open to those seeking service contrary to the claim that it had closed doors.
He said most of those who alleged fraud were not even part of their database and they have left the matter to the DCI to take further probe into the matter adding that they are ready for any legal processes.
While defending himself earlier, Wanjohi termed the allegations linking him as not only fictitious but also aimed at tarnishing his reputation and that of his company.
Wanjohi also clarified that he is no longer associated with a church mission; refuting claims of being a preacher insisting he abandoned it two years ago.
“It is a lie. We do not have a church in Roysambu called Jesus Culture Ministry for the last two years. I agree, I do build churches and give them to pastors and bishops, it’s my calling,” he said.
Regarding his company, Worthstart, Wanjohi admitted to facilitating visa processing for those wishing to travel abroad but emphasized that approval is not guaranteed, as it depends on the discretion of the Embassy.
“We do visa facilitation but it is not everybody that gets it just like in any company or any other part of the world. It is not a 100 per cent guarantee that any company will ever give you. It is the ambassadors that issue but if they deny you we give you a second chance for free,” he said.
According to Wanjohi, the whole issue is a witch-hunt and business rivalry being orchestrated by his foes who he argued are keen on bringing him down.
Worthstart Company, he stated, has been in existence for less than a year and there is no way he could have gained up to 4,000 clients in such a short period.
"I have a contract with every client that comes to Worthstart and my work ends when I hand them over to the Embassy because beyond that I have no other power,” Wanjohi remarked.
He further dismissed claims he is being sought by detectives over the matter noting he is yet to receive any official summons.
The businessman who once contested for the Roysambu parliamentary seat stated that he has only seen it on the news.
On April 24, detectives raided Worthstart Africa offices located at Pension towers in Nairobi as part of the probe into the matter.
This is after some of the victims who alleged to have lost money recorded statements with the police.
The officers are said to have carted away computers among other documents.
Reports from the police say the complainants paid an agency fee ranging from Sh100,000-Sh140, 000 to have their overseas job and visa applications.
They are said to have been promised that they would travel out of the country in three months.
“They were telling us the process will take three months, but after the lapse of the period they do not communicate” said one of the victims.
“After paying there is no communication until you come and confront them,” another victim lamented.
The majority of the alleged victims, police say, were members of the Jesus Culture Ministry.
Immigration Department to be open on Saturday for passport collection