Kenyan businesswoman and digital content creator Dama wa Spares has sparked widespread discussion after sharing serious allegations about a woman she described as her former best friend. In a series of posts on Facebook, Dama claimed that the woman allegedly staged illnesses on social media to solicit money from well wishers. Her statements quickly attracted attention because they raised concerns about the misuse of public sympathy and the growing number of online fundraising campaigns. The claims have generated mixed reactions, with some people expressing shock while others have called for caution until the allegations can be verified. At the time of writing, the person accused has not publicly responded to Dama’s claims.
According to Dama wa Spares, her former friend allegedly went to great lengths to make the illness appear genuine. She claimed that the woman would visit a hospital, pay a doctor KSh 2,000 to administer an injection, and then take photographs in a medical setting before sharing them on social media. Dama alleged that the images were accompanied by messages claiming the woman was seriously ill in order to encourage followers and well wishers to send financial assistance. She further claimed that the alleged scheme was presented to her as an easy way to make money from sympathetic supporters. These allegations remain unverified and have not been supported by independent evidence.
Dama also claimed that she had witnessed several deceptive fundraising schemes during her time in Nairobi. According to her, some individuals allegedly fabricate personal hardships and serious medical conditions to attract donations from compassionate members of the public. She alleged that certain people even forge documents and falsely claim to have life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, in an effort to gain sympathy and financial support. Dama argued that generous donors often contribute without knowing whether the stories being shared online are authentic. She encouraged people to be cautious while also emphasizing that genuine cases deserving support should not be overlooked because of the actions of a few individuals.
One of the most striking parts of Dama’s account involved her claim that she was asked to help make the alleged deception appear more convincing. She said her former friend once requested that she bring flowers to the hospital so the public would believe the illness was real. Dama stated that she refused to participate because she did not want to mislead the public or become involved in what she described as a dishonest scheme. While recounting the incident, she mentioned Lizz Wangui Muchiri and Esther Chege, suggesting they could recall the events she described. However, she did not publicly identify the former friend she accused of orchestrating the alleged fake illness.
The allegations have reignited conversations about trust, accountability and transparency in online fundraising campaigns. Social media has made it easier for people facing genuine medical emergencies to seek financial support, but it has also created opportunities for alleged abuse when claims are not independently verified. Dama wa Spares’ statements have encouraged many people to think more carefully before donating while also reminding the public that not every online appeal is necessarily fraudulent. At the same time, it is important to remember that these are allegations made by Dama and that the accused individual has not publicly responded to them. The controversy highlights the importance of honesty in fundraising efforts and the need for compassion that is balanced with responsible verification before offering financial assistance.
