Questions have been raised about how Usikimye operates and whether some of its fundraising stories are genuine. The organization is well known in Kenya for working with survivors of gender-based violence, and many people have supported it with donations over the years. Now, accusations circulating online have put its work and leadership under serious public scrutiny.
Usikimye was founded to offer help to people facing abuse, especially women and children. Supporters have believed that their money was going toward urgent needs such as medical care, food, transport, and safe shelter.
Through social media posts, the group often shared emotional stories of victims in distress, encouraging Kenyans to contribute quickly so help could be provided. This approach built strong public support and regular donations from people who trusted the cause.
The problem began when claims started emerging that some of these stories were not real. Former workers and volunteers, speaking anonymously, have alleged that certain abuse cases were staged to attract donations.
According to these accounts, actors were sometimes used to pose as survivors. There are also claims that children were presented as abandoned or orphaned for filming, yet were later picked up by their parents after the videos were made. These stories were then shared online to raise money from the public.
Concerns have also been raised about how donated funds were handled. Whistleblowers allege that a large share of the money went into personal accounts instead of being used to support victims.
They further claim that donated items such as food and clothing were sold rather than distributed to those in need. Some volunteers say genuine cases of abuse were ignored because they did not attract attention or fundraising potential.
One account describes a volunteer paying for a child’s treatment using her own money, only to be criticized for not recording the process for social media use. Another case involved a person seeking help for an abusive marriage but receiving no follow-up support.
Usikimye Co-founder Njeri Wa Migwi. Photo Courtesy/X(Lynne Ngugi)
Public reaction has been divided. Some Kenyans have openly accused Usikimye of being a scam and have questioned whether it operates like a money-making scheme rather than a support organization. Others have urged caution, arguing that screenshots and online accusations are not enough and that solid proof is needed.
Additional accusations have deepened the concern, including internal disputes among founders and claims of unresolved personal and family issues being hidden from the public.
Past incidents involving lost or stolen funds linked to the organization, and the lack of strong action taken at the time, have also added to doubts about internal controls and accountability.
What stands out most is the silence from Usikimye’s leadership, which has left many questions unanswered. This has allowed speculation to grow and trust to weaken further. Kenyans who donated in good faith want clarity about where their money went and whether victims truly received help.
There is now a strong call for an independent investigation. Authorities should examine financial records, speak to former staff, and verify the cases that were used to raise funds. The truth matters, not just for accountability, but for the many real survivors who depend on honest and transparent support systems.
Gender-based violence remains a serious issue in Kenya, and it deserves organizations that operate with integrity and respect for the public’s trust.
