DCI Investigating Alleged Swindling Of Child Star Wendy Waeni By Ex-manager Joe Mwangi

By Geoffrey Isaya

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Child Protection Unit on Friday commenced investigations into the alleged swindling of child star Wendy Waeni by her former manager.

In a statement, the DCI said its Child Protection Unit is handling the case and if the manager, Joe Mwangi is found culpable, he will face the full wrath of the law.

"Detectives from the Child Protection Unit have today commenced investigations into this matter & should any criminal culpability be found, appropriate legal action will be taken. We are grateful to all those who brought this to our attention," said the DCI.

This comes two days after Waeni accused Mwangi of using and exploiting her talent for his own personal benefit.

Speaking on Kenya's Citizen TV's Jeff Koinange Live show, the visibly emotional teen shocked the nation when she revealed that she has not received a single penny from her performances for the past five years.

"I've been performing all over the world, and right now I live in Huruma because of Joe Mwangi. I've performed in Rwanda, Germany, and China… and I've not got even a single penny. My mum is really suffering right now, she sells sweets, I live in Huruma in a single-room with her," she said.

She further stated that she has no control over – or even access to – her social media accounts where she has previously been accused of being rude.

Wendy, who has performed for Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and Paul Kagame, added that she presently shares a one-roomed house with her mother who earns a living by selling sweets and cigarettes at night.

"People are telling me that I'm rude, that I'm a brat, that I post things on Instagram…which I don't really know. I don't have access to my social media accounts, it's Joe Mwangi who controls them."

Joe on Thursday, however, dismissed the accusations, further intimating that the minor may have been coached on what to say.

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Joe, who alluded to a "scriptwriter" being behind the minor's narration, also denied ever travelling outside the country with Wendy.

"…it has been said that I (Joe) has travelled all over the world with Wendy. FACT: I have NEVER, NEVER EVER left this country in the company of Wendy Waeni. Anybody with any prove (proof) that I have flown out any given time with her, put it here," he dared.

A dare that however came to bite him as TV47 Acting Managing Director Eugene Anangwe posted a video of a past visit by the two to see Rwandan President Paul Kagame; a visit he (Anangwe) covered.