M-Changa Controversies: Government Bloggers Accuse Platform of Funding Anarchy

In the wake of the recent Generation Z protests in Kenya, government bloggers have expressed outrage over the use of M-Changa, an online and mobile fundraising platform, to raise funds for hospital and funeral expenses of casualties, especially those shot by police.

The protests, driven by calls for change and justice, have seen significant support, but the involvement of M-Changa has sparked a heated debate on its appropriateness and legality.

The Role of M-Changa vs Controversies

M-Changa offers a platform for individuals, organizations, and businesses to raise funds and create awareness for their causes.

With over 102,164 users and 1,508,020 supporters, it has become a trusted tool for fundraising.

The platform ensures the safety of funds through secure accounts, verified fundraisers, multiple treasurers’ approval, and transparent fundraising activities.

Criticism from Government Supporters

Lord Abraham Mutai, a staunch supporter of President William Ruto, has vehemently criticized the use of M-Changa for supporting the Gen Z protests.

On his social media platform, Mutai accused the proponents of these protests of using M-Changa to destabilize the government. He posted:

“SHOULD be held ACCOUNTABLE immediately. M-Changa’s policy strictly forbids fundraising for political activities or insurrection. Yet, M-Changa is hosting several fundraisers by people like Boni, Hanifa, and others, directly calling for the removal of a legitimate sitting government under the #RutoMustGo hashtag. If fundraising to remove a legitimately elected government isn’t political and insurrection, then what does M-Changa mean by ‘no fundraising for political reasons’?”

Allegations of Misuse of Funds

Mutai has particularly targeted activist Hanifa, accusing her of misusing the funds collected from Gen Z supporters.

According to Mutai, Hanifa did not allocate all the money to cover hospital bills but used some to finance her lifestyle, including purchasing a posh car.

He also alleged that funds were used to fund chaos and buy coffins scattered around Nairobi’s CBD by leaders of the Gen Z protests, like activist Boniface Mwangi (Boni), which contradicts M-Changa’s terms and conditions.

M-Changa’s Policies

M-Changa strictly prohibits fundraising for illegal activities, harm, or misleading contributors.

Fundraisers must follow all applicable laws and regulations, avoiding impersonation, copyright, or patent infringement.

Additionally, M-Changa bans fundraising for political purposes directly related to election events. Despite these policies, Mutai’s accusations have cast a shadow over the platform’s integrity.

Government Response

Mutai has called for the government to urgently investigate and hold M-Changa accountable for allowing these fundraisers.

He insisted that the government should summon M-Changa’s bosses to explain how the platform is being used to fund what he describes as anarchy.

He claimed that the Ksh30 million raised did not entirely come from Kenyans and hinted at foreign contributors fueling the unrest.

M-Changa Controversies, Transparency and Trust

M-Changa emphasizes the transparency and safety of its platform. Funds are held in secure accounts until withdrawal, which requires approval from nominated treasurers.

All fundraising activities, including the amount raised and the number of contributors, are publicly available online. The platform’s customer care team is available to address any public concerns.

Supporters of the Gen Z protests argue that M-Changa has provided a vital service in raising necessary funds for those affected by police violence.

Wrapping Up

The controversy surrounding the use of M-Changa for fundraising in support of the Gen Z protests highlights the complex interplay between technology, politics, and social justice movements.

While government bloggers like Abraham Mutai demand accountability and transparency, supporters of the protests argue that the platform has been essential in providing support to those in need.

As the debate continues, the role of platforms like M-Changa in political and social movements will remain under scrutiny.

For now, M-Changa’s commitment to secure, transparent, and ethical fundraising remains critical as it navigates the challenges posed by its involvement in such contentious issues.