Nairobi police are investigating a USIU-Africa lecturer accused of conning students out of Ksh.10 million for a UK trip that never happened.
The students, who filed complaints at the Kasarani Police Station, say the lecturer promised an educational trip in April 2024. On Thursday, the lecturer appeared in court, and police were given 14 days to investigate.
In November 2023, Moses Joshua Onyango, the Chairman of the International Relations department, announced the trip. Each student was asked to pay USD 3,000 (Ksh.386,485), which many parents covered.
In total, 24 students were defrauded, totaling Ksh.10,872,000. Onyango admits receiving only about Ksh.7 million. After payments were made, the trip was postponed under unclear circumstances.
The students demanded answers from the university. They were shocked to learn the university had not approved the trip and had canceled any plans for it.
USIU-Africa addressed the concerns. The Vice Chancellor stated, “We are aware of the issues raised by some students about a planned trip to the United Kingdom that aborted. We have taken these concerns seriously and a comprehensive review of the situation is underway.”
The lecturer had instructed the students to deposit the money into his personal bank account. He even faked a travel itinerary to make the trip appear legitimate.
Detectives are examining the bank account to verify the deposits made by the students and determine if additional charges can be brought against Onyango.
By Vivian K.