Buruburu Woman Arrested for Allegedly Squandering Sh1 Million Raised for Parents’ Funeral
A woman from Buruburu, Nairobi, is at the center of public outrage after being arrested for allegedly misappropriating over Sh1 million raised through a funeral harambee meant for her deceased parents-in-law.
Esther Nyambura Waititu was apprehended by detectives and arraigned after she reportedly vanished with the contributions, sparking a frantic search by relatives and donors.
According to police reports filed at Buruburu Police Station, the harambee was organized via a WhatsApp group after Waititu’s father-in-law died on June 18, followed by her mother-in-law the next day. Mourners and well-wishers contributed generously to support the double funeral, channeling their donations directly to Waititu’s mobile number.
Between June 21 and 29, she allegedly received approximately Sh1 million, after which she went silent and could not be reached by phone or in person. Concerned relatives reported her disappearance to the police, who eventually tracked her down to her residence in Membley. Officers were forced to break into her home after she reportedly refused to open the door.
Detectives suspect that Waititu diverted the funds for personal use, including online betting. The police have since seized her mobile phone for forensic examination by the Cybercrime Unit. Investigators say the phone records will be crucial in tracking how the money was used.
Corporal Julius Magacha, the investigating officer, told the court that the suspect’s release on bail could jeopardize ongoing investigations, as some key witnesses were still engaged with funeral proceedings and unavailable for statements. He also emphasized that the integrity of digital evidence could be at risk if Waititu were released prematurely.
Senior Resident Magistrate Wandia Nyamu granted the police request to detain Waititu until July 7, allowing time for a comprehensive probe into the matter. The court noted the seriousness of the allegations and the potential flight risk posed by the suspect.
