A heated controversy has emerged within the Kenyan media community after Elizabeth Odada, a journalist with KBC, was accused of fabricating the death of her father to solicit funeral contributions.
The allegations surfaced among members of a WhatsApp group comprising journalists from Luo Nyanza. Following Odada’s announcement of her father's passing, the group collectively contributed KSh 257,000 to support the burial. However, tensions flared after the funeral, reportedly held on May 3, when some members questioned whether the deceased was in fact her biological father. This led to demands for a refund — and even calls for her arrest.
Odada had initially stayed off social media amid the storm of criticism. But in a recent interview with TUKO.co.ke, she broke her silence, firmly denying the accusations and expressing both shock and sorrow over the claims.
“I’m devastated by these allegations,” she said. “My father passed away. To be accused of faking such a painful loss is not only deeply hurtful but incredibly unfair.”
Odada clarified that the misunderstanding likely arose from the dynamics of her polygamous family. Her father, she explained, was buried at the homestead of his first wife, while guests were received in a different location. This, she believes, may have led some individuals to question the legitimacy of the funeral proceedings.
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“My mother is one of my late father's widows,” she said. “Because of the polygamous setup, not everyone was familiar with the burial site or the arrangements, which may have caused confusion.”
She went on to express gratitude to the welfare group and Sacco members who had supported her during the bereavement but questioned the motivations behind the backlash. “To hear such accusations just two weeks after burying my father is heartbreaking. I don’t understand where this negativity is coming from — perhaps it’s personal.”
The incident has triggered mixed reactions across social media, with some standing in solidarity with Odada while others demand accountability. The situation has also sparked broader conversations about transparency in group contributions and how cultural dynamics — such as polygamy — can complicate funeral planning and public perception.
As emotions continue to run high, the case of Elizabeth Odada serves as a reminder of the complexities of grief, the fragility of trust in digital communities, and the need for sensitivity in times of loss.
