Police in Nairobi are investigating allegations that a lecturer defrauded several USIU-Africa students of over Ksh.10 million for a UK trip that never happened. The students, who have given statements at Kasarani Police Station, claim the lecturer tricked them into paying for an educational trip in April 2024.
The lecturer, identified as Moses Joshua Onyango, who chaired the International Relations department, was presented in court on Thursday. The police were given 14 days to investigate and file charges. According to the students, they were swindled by someone they trusted as a mentor.
In November 2023, Onyango reportedly informed the students about the trip, requiring each to pay USD 3,000 (Ksh.386,485). A total of 24 students paid the amount, amounting to Ksh.10,872,000. However, Onyango claims to have received only about Ksh.7 million.
After the payments were made, the trip was postponed indefinitely under unclear circumstances. When the students demanded answers and their tickets, they discovered the university had not approved the trip. The school had actually canceled any plans for the trip to the UK.
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Frustrated by the lack of response from the university, the students turned to the police. They say their efforts to get their money back have been met with obstacles. Despite sending emails to the dean, they received no feedback. They also learned that Onyango had been fired.
Citizen TV sought clarification from USIU-Africa authorities, who stated: "We are aware of the issues raised by some students about a planned trip to the United Kingdom that was aborted. We have taken these concerns seriously and a comprehensive review is underway. We will share further information with our stakeholders upon completion. To maintain the integrity of the investigation, we will withhold comment until its conclusion. Regards, Vice Chancellor."
Allegedly, Onyango directed the students to deposit the money into his personal bank account and even fabricated a travel itinerary to make the trip seem legitimate. Citizen TV confronted Onyango during his police interrogation, but he did not provide a response.
On Thursday, the Makadara Law Courts released Onyango on cash bail while the investigation continues. Detectives plan to examine the bank account to verify the amounts deposited by the students, the timing of these deposits, and to identify any additional charges that could be filed against Onyango.
