"Nilijengea mzazi alinilea": Gabriella hits back after criticism on dad's home
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- TikToker Sheryl Gabriella posted from her late father Joseph Kipkoech Mutai's burial on August 17, 2026, drawing attention online
- Sheryl had previously boasted about her earnings and claimed she built her parents a house, sparking scrutiny after the burial video surfaced
- Fans and critics noticed the thatched grass roof visible in the background of the burial footage, questioning her earlier claims
Kenyan TikToker Sheryl Gabriella is facing fresh scrutiny online after footage from her late father's burial showed a grass-roofed home in the background, raising eyebrows among followers who remembered her past claims of financial success.
Did Sheryl Gabriella build parents a house?
Sheryl posted the video on 17 August 2026, capturing mourners gathered around the grave of her father, Joseph Kipkoech Mutai, who was born in 1973 and passed away on 8 August 2026.
The post, shared on her TikTok account drew immediate reactions, though not all of them were about grief.
The scrutiny stems from a pattern of public statements Sheryl had made about her lifestyle and finances.
The content creator had previously asserted that she was earning significant income, at one point calling out followers she perceived as broke.
She also claimed to have built her parents a house, a statement that stuck in the minds of many of her fans.
When the burial footage revealed a thatched grass-roofed structure in the background, a section of the internet did not hold back.
The image cut sharply against the polished, prosperous narrative she had projected. Sheryl had previously opened up about her sources of income, including acknowledging that a man had been paying her bills, a disclosure that had already invited mixed reactions.
In her response after being asked about what house she built and why her dad was living in a humble home, she said:
"Nilijengea mzazi alinielea."
Here are her photos:
Fans rally around grieving creator
Despite the online murmur, a significant number of Sheryl's followers chose to show up with words of comfort and solidarity. Reactions poured in from across the TikTok community.
@Lioness Joel said:
"Ghai TikTok pressure 🤩 🤩 the back ground surely anyways may dad rest in peace 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏."
@Fela G-STAR 🌴 said:
"Na ujengee mathee yyumba ya maana 😱 😨."
@TheEagleQueen said:
"Yooh i cant believe the TikTok family did not show up ghai 😢 😢 be strong girl we love you."
@Kipchirchir said:
"Kabugi, true definition of a friend who can stand with you in bad and good times, keep him!"
@Msupa wa TikTok said:
"Take heart girl.... just pray to God akufunge maskio usisikilize maneno yao 😊."
@gherttie said:
"Your the iron lady. You can beat any obstacle 😘😘😘😘."
@Dorice said:
"You're a strong lady keep moving and sorry for the lose. Team kubwa we're here for you and we love you too 🥰🥰🥰."
T
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.