Uproar As Top WhatsApp Group Officials Sued Over Withheld Funeral Funds

Akoth
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Several senior officials of a WhatsApp group have been taken to court for allegedly withholding part of the group’s funeral funds meant to support bereaved members.

Julius Ogogoh, a founding member of the Luo Professionals Group Mombasa, revealed that officials were keeping 10 per cent of contributions made for each bereaved member. 

According to Ogogoh, the total funds involved exceed Sh300,000 per case.

Ogogoh, who also serves as the Director of the Centre for Litigation Trust, has filed a petition in the High Court of Kenya seeking an order to compel the group’s Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer to release the money that was irregularly withheld.

The funeral fund is intended to assist members financially during difficult times when a fellow member or their family loses a loved one.

Contributions are pooled together from group members to cover funeral costs, transport, and other immediate expenses.

According to Ogogoh, the withholding of a portion of these funds undermines the purpose of the scheme and affects members when they need support the most.

In his court application, Ogogoh argued that withholding part of the money is unfair and violates the principles under which the group was founded.

He stated that members contribute to the fund in good faith, expecting that the full amount will be available to support bereaved families without unnecessary deductions.

The legal petition seeks to have the High Court direct the officials to account for all funds collected and to immediately release the withheld amounts.

Ogogoh also called for measures to ensure transparency in future management of the group’s funeral fund, including regular reporting and proper record-keeping.

According to Ogogoh, the irregular deductions have created tension within the WhatsApp group, as some members feel cheated and distrustful of the leadership.

He said such disputes could undermine the group’s cohesion and affect its social and professional networking activities.

He further argued that financial mismanagement in social groups like these can have wider implications, particularly when funds are meant to help members in distress.

Ensuring that all contributions reach their intended purpose is crucial for maintaining trust and encouraging more members to participate in collective support schemes.

The case is expected to be heard by the High Court in the coming weeks, and legal observers say the ruling could set a precedent for how community-based or social group funds are managed and protected in Kenya.

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