KBC journalist Elizabeth Odada has found herself embroiled in a troubling controversy after being accused by members of a WhatsApp group of fabricating her father’s death to solicit funeral contributions. The accusations surfaced shortly after the group, made up of journalists from Luo Nyanza, collectively donated KSh 257,000 following Odada’s announcement of her father’s passing.
The backlash began soon after Odada informed the group that her father had died and was buried on May 3. Some members of the group started to question the authenticity of the news, alleging that the deceased was not her biological father but rather a relative. These claims escalated, with some members demanding that Odada refund the money they had contributed. Others even called for her arrest, accusing her of deception and fraud.
In response to the allegations, Odada expressed shock and disbelief, emphasizing that she genuinely lost her father. She explained that the confusion likely arose due to the complex burial arrangements in her polygamous family. According to Odada, her mother is one of her father’s widows, and the burial took place at the homestead of her father’s first wife. This location difference caused some of the attendees to be taken to a separate venue after the funeral, leading to misunderstandings about the legitimacy of her father’s death.
Odada lamented the damage these accusations have inflicted on her reputation. She revealed that as a member of a Sacco and a welfare group, many people had stood with her during the difficult time, and she was bewildered by the negative claims arising just two weeks after the burial. She admitted she was still unsure how to respond to the accusations because they were baseless and hurtful. She suggested that the negativity might be fueled by a personal vendetta.
The situation has sparked mixed reactions among the journalism community and the wider public. Many people have called for calm and urged everyone to respect the truth, highlighting the importance of sensitivity when dealing with bereavement. Some have condemned the accusations as unfounded and harmful, encouraging those involved to seek clarity rather than make hasty judgments.
This incident comes at a time when cases of fraudulent claims related to death have been making headlines. For instance, a man from Mombasa recently admitted to fraudulently receiving insurance money by faking the deaths of his family members. Such cases underscore the seriousness with which allegations of deceit should be treated, but also the need to avoid jumping to conclusions without solid evidence.
Elizabeth Odada’s ordeal is a reminder of the complexities that can arise in polygamous families, particularly around sensitive cultural practices such as burial arrangements. It also highlights how quickly misunderstandings can escalate on social media and messaging platforms, especially in emotionally charged situations. The calls from many quarters for respect, truth, and empathy reflect the hope that such incidents can be resolved with dignity and fairness for everyone involved.
