Health

Mama Gift Accused of Using Fake Google Photos to Fraudulently Raise KSh 1.1M for Son’s Treatment in India

2 min read

5 months ago Scott

A Kenyan mother who gained nationwide sympathy for her sick son’s medical struggles now faces serious fraud allegations after allegedly using stock images to solicit donations.

Purity Mugambi, known as Mama Gift, became a household name on Kenyan TikTok after sharing her journey as a single mother caring for Baby Gift, who suffers from cerebral palsy, chronic asthma, and cardiovascular complications.

In October 2025, thousands of well-wishers gathered at Njukiiri Showground in Embu for a successful fundraiser to support the child’s medical treatment in India.

On December 15, 2025, Mama Gift shared an emotional TikTok live video from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as she and Baby Gift prepared to fly to India.

“We have finally travelled out for treatment,” she announced, showing airline staff connecting her son to oxygen tubes.

The moment was celebrated by her followers who had supported the fundraising efforts.

However, the celebration was short-lived. During a subsequent TikTok live session, it was revealed that Mama Gift had posted hospital photos downloaded directly from Google, falsely presenting them as images of Baby Gift receiving treatment in India.

Using these fabricated images, she successfully solicited an additional KSh 1.1 million from unsuspecting donors on TikTok and Facebook.

“Thank you, TikTok and FB friends, for the Ksh 1.1 million support for baby Gift’s treatment,” she wrote in a post that has since been deleted along with the fake photos.

The discovery has triggered intense anger among Kenyans, with many donors demanding refunds and calling for investigation.

Critics warn that such scandals could severely damage public trust in legitimate online fundraising efforts, making it harder for families genuinely in need to receive support.

No formal legal action has been reported, though pressure continues mounting on social media for accountability.