Blogger Maverick Aoko has alleged the existence of a widespread corruption network within Kenya’s immigration system, claiming that brokers and rogue officials are profiting from visa and passport applications at the expense of ordinary citizens.
In a statement circulated online, Aoko accused unnamed immigration officials and brokers of running what she described as a “pay-to-play” system that allegedly extracts large sums of money from applicants seeking immigration services.
The blogger further raised questions regarding the alleged involvement of Immigration Director General Evelyn Cheluget and an individual identified as Abdulrahman Pashua Juma. However, she did not provide documentary evidence to support the claims and called on investigative agencies to independently verify the allegations.
According to Aoko, some applicants allegedly pay up to USD 190 for referral visas and as much as KSh150,000 for passport processing through unofficial channels.
She further alleged that some transactions are conducted in cash without receipts being issued, raising concerns about accountability and transparency within the system.
Based on the figures she cited, Aoko claimed that if 1,260 visa files were processed weekly at USD 190 each, the transactions would amount to approximately USD 239,400 every week. She further alleged that processing 200 passport files at KSh150,000 each could generate KSh30 million weekly.
https://www.facebook.com/100092260399644/posts/961065860312085/?rdid=au6iQtnfguZX0lLJ#
The blogger argued that such figures, if verified, would point to a massive loss of public revenue and expose weaknesses in immigration controls.
Aoko also alleged that fake documents, duplicate invitation letters and the use of middlemen have infiltrated parts of the immigration process, with genuine applicants allegedly facing delays while brokers receive preferential treatment.
“This is not service. It is an allegation of a system captured by brokers and cartels,” she stated.
The claims further mention another individual identified as Abdullahi Ali Maalim, alongside allegations that some officers may be facilitating or protecting the alleged activities. No evidence was provided publicly to substantiate the accusations.
Aoko maintained that the allegations require urgent scrutiny by relevant oversight and investigative agencies.
She called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and other state agencies to conduct comprehensive audits and investigations into the claims.
“Investigate. Audit. Follow the evidence. If these allegations are proven, those responsible must be held fully accountable under the law,” she stated.
The blogger argued that any corruption within the country’s immigration system would pose not only a governance challenge but also a national security concern.
“Every shilling lost through corruption is a national security risk. Every fraudulent file is a potential threat to the integrity of our borders,” she claimed.
As of publication, the Department of Immigration Services had not publicly responded to the allegations. The claims remain unverified, and no findings have been released by investigative agencies regarding the matters raised.