- Usikimye, a prominent organisation supporting survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), has been embroiled in a scandal involving allegations against co-founder, Njeri wa Migwi
- The controversy centres around claims of embezzlement, covering up a grooming case, and fundraising misconduct, dividing public opinion
- In the wake of the allegations, the board has issued a statement promising to uphold its mission of supporting GBV survivors and maintaining transparency
For several weeks, Usikimye, a leading organisation supporting survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), has been in the news for all the wrong reasons.
Source: Facebook
It all started when a would-be internal dispute involving co-founder Njeri wa Migwi and former co-founder Stella Khachina spilled into the public.
How Usikimye scandal started
This was followed by claims that Njeri shielded her son by covering up concerns relating to a case of alleged grooming.
Further allegations surfaced suggesting that the organization may have duped Kenyans by fabricating stories about GBV survivors to fundraise.
Co-founder Stella also accused Njeri of embezzling the organisation’s funds and only spending a small fraction on the victims.
The accusations and counter-accusations left the public divided, with one camp supporting Njeri while another stood by Ella, adding a new layer of chaos to the already muddied environment.
Among those who supported Njeri was human rights activist Boniface Mwangi, who made a long post describing the allegations as malicious and politically motivated.
Why Kenyans want answers from Usikimye
Given the magnitude of the allegations, Kenyans took to social media to press for a response, one that had seemingly remained elusive for weeks.
Many argued that for an organisation working with survivors, the management should uphold the highest standard of accountability, as CBOs are not personal entities.
In a formal statement shared by Njeri Migwi, the board of directors has finally bowed to pressure and addressed the allegations that have tainted the organisation’s reputation.
The board stressed its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of the individuals it serves.
Usikimye’s promise to Kenyans
According to the statement, the board acted promptly upon receiving the allegations, convening in accordance with the organisation’s governance and safeguarding policies.
Professional advice was sought to ensure that the matter would be handled most impartially and responsibly.
In an effort to uphold fairness and integrity for all parties, the board decided that the issue should proceed through the formal legal system rather than being resolved solely through internal mechanisms.
The case was formally referred to the courts on October 31 and is currently active. Usikimye has pledged full cooperation with all judicial requirements while awaiting the outcome.
Source: Facebook
Way forward for Usikimye
Despite the ongoing proceedings, the organisation requested patience from Kenyans and emphasised that its core mission remains uninterrupted.
“We continue to provide essential, survivor-centred services to those affected by Gender-Based Violence,” the statement read, urging the community, partners, and supporters to respect the legal process.
Jess Mutie, vice chair of Usikimye, reaffirmed the organisation’s guiding principles, adding that they remain committed to integrity, fairness, and justice.
Updates will be provided when it is appropriate and permissible to do so. Meanwhile, Usikimye continues to operate fully while the case unfolds.
Njeri wa Migwi’s rise to fame
Before the ongoing scandal, Njeri wa Migwi had built a reputation as the go-to person for women with cases of gender-based violence.
Many times, without thinking twice, she helped people out of her pocket or rallied her followers to help those in need.
That initial reputation is the reason many Kenyans have struggled to understand what changed along the way, if the allegations are true.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
