Residents of Kiombaba village in Keumbu, Kisii County were left in a rude shock after a middle-aged man went into hiding with money locals contributed to help in purchasing a wheelchair for a disabled child, Edwin Seboka.

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The incident happened on Saturday evening.

Maurice Ogeto fled with the money after the fund drive was over leaving the fundraising organisers stranded. 

“Ogeto was a treasurer and we finished the fund drive at 7 pm after a total of Sh70,000 was contributed. He excused himself that he was picking a phone call never to return back,” said Alfred Omwoyo.

Omwoyo who was also the fund drive chairman said Ogeto has since switched off his mobile phones.

Area Assistant Chief, Erick Oeri, condemned the incident.

“I went to Ogeto’s home, he is not there even his wife and children don’t know his whereabouts. He has done something that will never be forgotten in the village,” he said. 

He said the suspect’s family property will be auctioned to recover the money so that the wheelchair for Seboka can be bought.

The administrator warned locals against theft and making wealth using dubious means saying the law will not spare anyone.