"Let truth come out": Ndiema's brother speaks amid questions over funeral funds
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Veteran Luo Ohangla musician Tony Ndiema was buried on August 5 at his ancestral home in Homa Bay County
- A total of KSh 3,930,824 was reportedly collected from artists, fans, leaders and a paybill account to cover funeral expenses, sparking public scrutiny after the burial
- Mike Msella, the late musician's brother and committee member, spoke about the funds confriming that the collection account was registered in his name
The burial of veteran Luo ohangla musician Tony Ndiema has been followed by a storm of accusations, with his brother, Mike Msella, now publicly defending himself against claims that he misappropriated funds raised for the funeral.
Ndiema, who had been undergoing specialised treatment at Oasis Hospital in Kisii after his health rapidly deteriorated, leaving him unable to walk or speak, passed away before he could recover.
Fellow musicians Prince Indah and Emma Jalamo were among the first in the industry to confirm the heartbreaking news.
His body was collected from Hema Mortuary in Kisii on Tuesday, August 4, and he was laid to rest the following day at his ancestral home in Omoche Village, Gem Asumbi, Rangwe Constituency, Homa Bay County.
Where did the funeral millions go?
Before the burial, family members and colleagues had appealed for public support, and the response was generous.
A total of KSh 3,930,824 was raised, drawn from contributions by artistes and fans who gave KSh 1,367,993, leaders and officials who added KSh 2,095,500, and the remainder coming through a paybill account.
On the spending side, catering accounted for the bulk at KSh 1,678,403. Tent hire came to KSh 630,500, transport to KSh 491,337, videography to KSh 150,000, sound equipment to KSh 140,000, and security to KSh 134,000. Candle lighting cost KSh 107,964, while morgue, postmortem and coffin transportation collectively came to KSh 103,000.
Grave site expenses were listed at KSh 59,800. Total expenditure stood at KSh 3,932,074, leaving a deficit of KSh 1,250.
What drew widespread criticism, however, was a KSh 321,770 entry recorded as home repairs, which many observers felt was difficult to justify as a funeral expense.
Mike Msella denies any wrongdoing
The scrutiny fell heavily on the funeral committee, of which Msella was a member. Speaking on Facebook, he insisted that being on the committee did not give him control over how money was spent or received.
"How can I be accountable for cash I never handled? How can I be responsible for things I only knew about after they happened? I do not have a single M-Pesa transaction that went through me," he wrote.
He acknowledged that the collection account was registered under his name but maintained that ownership of the account did not translate to control over its contents.
"Yes, the account was under my name. That does not mean the account was mine, or that I controlled it," he added.
Msella said the weight of being singled out while feeling powerless to prove his innocence had taken a heavy toll on him.
"Right now I have a lot on my mind, especially how to face all these accusations alone. I've never been in a situation where every finger points at me, yet I am innocent and I can't even prove it. All I'm asking for is fairness. Let the truth come out," he said, signing off with the Dholuo phrase "Ling loyo duoko."
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.