Kenyan news

The internet has been abuzz with controversy after Esther Njeri, popularly known as Cucu wa Chira, publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the house built for her through crowdfunding. Just months after Kenyans came together to raise millions of shillings for her welfare following the tragic death of her grandson Brian Chira, Njeri has made it clear that she is not content with the home she was gifted and is now looking to sell it.

A Grandmother’s Unexpected Request

During a recent TikTok Live session, Njeri shocked many by stating that she was unhappy with her current residence and wished to relocate. She openly requested Kenyans to gather once again and provide her with a new home that better suits her preferences. She expressed concerns about the location, stating that she felt isolated and uneasy about certain aspects of the house, including its security.

“You need to sit down and decide how Cucu should live. You may even need to find some other place and construct a house for me. You know we have some slight troubles. Do the best you can,” she implored her followers.

Her statement immediately triggered backlash from netizens, many of whom were baffled by her demands, given that an estimated 8.4 million Kenyan shillings was raised to ensure she lived comfortably. The house, built from the generosity of Kenyans, was meant to be a lasting solution, yet she now seeks to sell it and acquire another one.

Social Media Reacts

Her remarks quickly went viral, prompting a wave of memes and heated debates online. Many users took to X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok to criticize her for what they saw as greed and entitlement.

One user humorously wrote, “I woke up early, braved Nairobi traffic, all to work hard so Cucu wa Chira can get a new mansion. Kenyans, we have our priorities!”

Another sarcastically tweeted, “Cucu wa Chira has spoken. We must gather and strategize on how to finance her soft life. The economy can wait.”

However, not everyone was against her. Some users defended her, arguing that she should have the freedom to choose where she lives, considering she is now a public figure. Others empathized with her concerns about security and comfort, suggesting that perhaps she was not properly consulted before the house was built.

TikTokers and Public Figures Speak Out

Notable TikTok personality Baba Talisha, real name Faustine Lipuku, was among the first to express his disappointment. Taking to Instagram, he accused Njeri of being ungrateful and misusing the funds raised by well-wishers.

“I feel disappointed seeing someone who has been helped by the online family, especially on TikTok, being so greedy and ungrateful. 8.4 million was collected. Less than a year later, 7.4 million is gone. Nothing to show,” he wrote.

Media personality Mwalimu Rachel also weighed in on the matter, questioning whether such crowdfunding initiatives encourage dependency.

“We are very fond of creating dependency. When we come out to help, people keep asking for more. If you give someone a house, next they will say they have no food, no job. Are we enabling dependants?” she remarked.

Njeri Defends Herself

Amidst the backlash, Njeri has come out strongly to defend her stance. She insists that she is not selling the house because she needs money but because she desires a better living environment.

“I am not selling the house because I need money. I have food, hair, and clothes are not an issue. The money you guys gave me is still there. I have placed it somewhere safe. I can never remove it because of young Chira. He will study and go to university,” she explained.

Her statement, however, did little to quell public anger, with many Kenyans arguing that she should be content with the home she was given rather than seeking additional support.

A Lesson in Philanthropy?

The entire saga raises larger questions about the nature of online fundraising and the expectations that come with it. While crowdfunding has proven to be a powerful tool for social good, cases like these highlight the potential for conflict between donors and recipients.

Should donors have a say in how their contributions are used? Is it fair to scrutinize Njeri’s choices just because she received financial assistance? Or should people simply accept that charity comes with no strings attached?

As the debate continues, one thing remains clear—Cucu wa Chira’s story has sparked an important discussion about gratitude, entitlement, and the unintended consequences of online generosity.