Kaluma Boy Fund Dispute: Bishop Kiengei Denies Handling KSh 17 Million, Raises Pointed Questions

Bishop Ben Kiengei has publicly refuted accusations of misappropriating KSh 17 million collected through a widely supported public fundraiser for the Kaluma Boy's family. The prominent cleric, who had been closely involved in the family's welfare, made his position clear on Facebook on Monday, August 17, as allegations regarding the misuse of funds gained traction.

Kiengei asserted that his engagement with the fundraising drive was strictly confined to community mobilization and follow-up activities. He emphatically denied authorizing any financial transactions or personally handling any of the donated money. Instead, he directed attention to Njeru Mutugi, identified as the chairman of the initiative, and Mr. Mwangi Jeremiah, both social media personalities known on TikTok, who he claims received the collected funds before subsequently becoming unresponsive.

The bishop also raised several pointed questions concerning the management of the substantial donations. He inquired about the specific individuals who collected the KSh 17 million, the bank account utilized for receiving these funds, and the party responsible for financing the construction work on the family's home. Furthermore, Kiengei questioned why the family reportedly declined a complimentary construction offer from a benefactor known as Ibu-wa Ndung'u, while acknowledging that other contributors, such as Doc Maina Shamata (who purchased tiles) and PS Hon Wachira (who provided electricity), fulfilled their pledges.

Kiengei also addressed what he described as internal family disputes and contradictions. He dismissed claims by Mama Kaluma regarding restricted access to food and the family farm as untrue. The bishop revealed that a donated poshomill, a crucial grain milling machine, remains on church premises, unused, with "idle Kaluma" and other family members allegedly showing no interest in operating it. He highlighted a notable inconsistency, noting that the mother is reportedly seeking a refund of money, while the sister's priority is the completion of the house construction. Kiengei further accused the family's sons of neglecting responsibilities assigned to them as part of the fundraising and awareness efforts.

This unfolding dispute underscores the complexities and potential pitfalls in managing large-scale public fundraisers, a common practice in Kenya and across East Africa for community support. Kiengei indicated that he plans to issue a formal statement to address specific allegations made by MC Chris Kirubi Junior, and an organization named Mofarm is also expected to release a comprehensive statement on the matter. He concluded his Facebook post with the Swahili idiom, "Askofu asipakwe uchafu," which translates to a bishop should not be smeared with filth, signaling his strong disapproval of the accusations.

The Horizon Wire's reporting on this story is based on information initially published by TUKO.