This archive report was first published on 13 August 2019.
On August 13, 2019, the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) issued a statement regarding a Hajj agent who swindled pilgrims out of over Sh12 million.
Mr. Nur Hassan Abdi, operating under the business name Ithaf Hajj and Umra Agency, allegedly received payments from prospective pilgrims for the 2019 Hajj in Saudi Arabia but failed to fulfill his obligations.
According to Supkem, Mr. Abdi did not submit a list of names, payments, or passports of prospective pilgrims for the 2019 Hajj, despite being registered and accredited by the council.
After learning of the scam, Supkem deregistered Mr. Abdi's agency and condemned his actions, stating that they would not tolerate such dishonesty in the future.
One of the victims, Ibrahim Mohammed, reported that Mr. Abdi approached him at his home, claiming to run a registered agency that takes people to Hajj. Mr. Mohammed deposited Sh600,000 to the agency's account but was left stranded when the agent disappeared.
Another victim, Mohammed Amin, paid Mr. Abdi Sh800,000 but was also left disappointed when the agent failed to show up on the day of traveling to Saudi Arabia.
The victims reported the matter to Pangani Police Station and the DCI headquarters, but no action has been taken yet.
