Philanthropist Karangu Muraya in Baby Gift's online storm

By Newsflash Writer

Kikuyu musician and celebrated online philanthropist Karangu Muraya has once again found himself under intense public scrutiny, after his name was dragged into a growing controversy surrounding millions of shillings raised online to help an ailing child from Embu County.

The storm, which erupted days before Christmas, has ignited debate about trust, transparency and accountability in Kenya’s increasingly popular social media-driven fundraising culture.

At the centre of the controversy is Baby Gift, the young son of Purity Mugambi, popularly known online as Mama Gift.

The single mum from Gathoge village has, over the past months, drawn nationwide sympathy as she documented her relentless fight to save her child, who suffers from multiple medical conditions, including cerebral palsy, chronic asthma and cardiovascular complications.

Viral appeal turns controversial

The online fundraising drive for Baby Gift gained massive traction on Sunday, October 26, when hundreds of TikTokers converged at Njukiri Showground in Embu in a powerful show of solidarity.

The gathering, which was widely shared across platforms, saw content creators, well-wishers and online influencers mobilise donations to support Mama Gift’s quest to seek specialised treatment abroad.

Purity Mugambi, alias Mama Gift at an Indian hospital. Photo/Handout

Millions of shillings were reportedly raised within a short time, driven by emotive videos and live appeals that touched hearts far beyond Embu County. As the campaign grew, Mama Gift travelled to India, where her son was to receive advanced medical care.

However, the goodwill that had propelled the drive took a sharp turn on Wednesday, December 24, when online users began questioning the authenticity of a photo Mama Gift posted on her social media accounts. The image, which purportedly showed Baby Gift admitted in an intensive care unit at a hospital, sparked suspicion among netizens who claimed it looked staged or recycled.

Mama Gift had reportedly shared the same photo with a few individuals who had helped spearhead the online contribution drive, among them popular events host MC Chris Kirubi Junior. Despite this, scepticism grew rapidly, with critics branding the photo fake and demanding concrete proof.

Given that Mama Gift was already in India, netizens insisted she share real-time videos and clear photos of Baby Gift receiving treatment at an Indian hospital. The pressure intensified as questions mounted over how the vast sums contributed were being utilised.

Karangu dragged into the storm

As doubts swirled, attention shifted to Karangu Muraya, whose presence in India alongside Mama Gift raised eyebrows. Online users questioned why the philanthropist was involved, especially since he was not part of the original contribution drive in Embu.

Some TikTokers went further, alleging that Karangu had struck a secret deal with Mama Gift to receive a share of the funds raised. “Why are you in India with her?” angry users demanded during heated online exchanges, with others calling for full accountability of the donations.

Karangu, however, came out strongly to defend himself. He explained that his trip to India had nothing to do with Baby Gift’s fundraiser, saying he had travelled to accompany his friend, ailing Kikuyu gospel musician Njeru Thiga, who is undergoing cancer treatment.

Thiga recently held a high-profile fundraiser that even attracted a contribution from President William Ruto.

According to Karangu, it was purely coincidental that he and Mama Gift found themselves at the same hospital.

He said they had not interacted until Mama Gift reached out to him after learning he was also in India. “How could I refuse to help? We had no any deal with her. I even didn’t know that she’s here,” Karangu said, dismissing claims of collusion as baseless.

Transparency questions

Despite his explanation, the issue remains unresolved, with a section of TikTokers demanding a full breakdown of how the money raised for Baby Gift was spent. Some have vowed never to take part in similar online drives again, citing donor fatigue and eroding trust.

Others, however, have come to Karangu’s defence, warning against rushing to judgment. Among them is renowned Kikuyu gospel artist Ben Githae, who said the philanthropist’s name was being unfairly tarnished. “While Karangu has had many unfortunate encounters this year, I chose to defend him from any wrongdoing in this one,” Ben Githae said.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of a turbulent year for Karangu. Earlier in 2025, he was embroiled in a bitter online fallout and eventual separation from his wife, Trizah Muraya, over allegations of infidelity. The couple, who have three children together, saw their private struggles play out publicly.

Karangu later confessed to being married to Carol Kim, the woman widely blamed for the breakdown of his first marriage.