Parents want an NGO investigations over fees racket

Some of the Narok parents displaying receipts issued to them after depositing their money allegedly to receive school fees from an NGO known as Friends of Kenya Foundation.They cried foul that the organization is yet to either give them back their money or give them the 70 percent of their deposits as they had been promised. [PHOTO:ROBERT KIPLAGAT/STANDARD]

Detectives in Narok have been asked to investigate operations of a local NGO.

This is after the NGO failed to provide ‘loans’ to hundreds of parents who had deposited money with the organisation expecting good returns.

The enraged parents stormed the organisation’s offices demanding back their money after the firm failed to keep its part of the bargain.

Some of the affected parents narrated how they were informed about the organisation last year.

“I was informed by a friend and as a parent, I saw it as a good thing. I was asked to pay registration fee of Sh1,200 and Sh2,000 for the form. I deposited Sh100,000 and I was expecting to be paid about Sh500,000 but it has been several months now and nothing is forthcoming,” said Joshua Siololo.

His son

The businessman said he was expecting to use the money to pay his son’s Form One fees and expand his livestock business.

“I no longer want their loans. All I need is my cash back,” said Siololo. Another victim, Emily Kipila, said she deposited Sh90,000 last July and she is yet to get the loans nor her money back. “These people have been taking us for a ride. Whenever I go to claim my money, they tell me to write a proposal. I wrote a proposal but they told me to come after two weeks. We are just tired,” said Kipila.

They asked police to investigate and prosecute officials of the organisation, saying they seem to be operate like a ‘pyramid scheme’ conning people of their hard-earned cash. An ambush by journalists at the organisation’s office saw the staff flee without a comment.

County Criminal Investigations Officer Zachary Kariuki said they will investigate the allegations once they record statements with them.