Residents of Boisukia village in Bomariba ward Kisii County were left in a rude shock after a man used the money he was collecting from locals for burial arrangements.
The locals led by Chris Ongoro said the man identified as Elijah Omweri popularly known as Maurice failed to account for Sh27,200 that was contributed by friends and relatives of the deceased Christopher Onchego.
The money was contributed after a WhatsApp group was formed and participants mobilized to raise the funds to help the family to give the deceased a decent sendoff.
“Omweri failed to account for Sh27,200 that was raised to support the family in burial arrangements. The money was sent to his Mpesa number 0722155141by over 30 people who have since raised complain because Omweri went into hiding after he received the money,” said Ongoro.
Another resident Walter Ombati accused the man saying he will be cursed if he won’t return the money meant for the funeral.
Juma Ntabo said the man has until Monday next week to return the money failure to which they will launch a manhunt and lynch him for bringing shame to the community.
“We will leave him to use the money we contributed in good faith to help the family. He has until Monday next week to hand over the money to the bereaved family,” said Ntabo.
Area assistant chief Benjamin Ayuma confirmed the incident and said the matter is under investigation.
“I am aware that Omweri received the money which he has failed to hand over to the family because the deceased was buried last week Friday. My office will do everything possible to ensure the money is taken to the family,” said Ayuma.