Nandi woman exposed for conning Kenyans admits she faked child's surgery to get money

• A lady from Kapsabet, within Nandi County, has admitted to fabricating a story regarding her child needing an operation to receive monetary assistance from a generous donor.
• Sharon Jepchumba informed UbiNews.co.ke that her 7-month-old infant has some respiratory issues but hasn’t undergone surgery.
• A Facebook user named Irene Biwott, who had formerly assisted Jepchumba, revealed her information online after she was unable to substantiate her allegations.
• The regretful mother apologized for her behavior, saying she never meant to deceive those who had assisted her.

A woman from Kapsabet in Nandi county has been accused of conning Kenyans online to obtain financial assistance for her sick child.

Speaking to UbiNews.co.ke , the lady, Sharon Jepchumba, explained her predicament and responded to the accusations levelled against her online.

She clarified that she did not lie about her child being sick but admitted to lying that the 7-month-old baby had undergone surgery.

Is Sharon Jepchumba's child unwell?

A parent mentioned that their 7-month-old infant suffers from chest issues and occasionally faces trouble breathing.

"We were directed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) for his ongoing care. After sharing my feelings of depression online, Irene Biwott reached out to offer her assistance. She also covered our consultation fees at Racecourse Hospital since the doctors were on strike at MTRH," she recounted.

Sharon said that her child received treatment, but she spent the funds raised online on drugs and other costs instead.

She shared that her son was doing well until recently, when he struggled to breathe again, prompting her to reach out to Irene once more for help in seeking support from Kenyans online.

Why did Sharon fake her son’s surgery?

The remorseful woman admitted that she lied to Irene about her son undergoing surgery out of desperation.

"He fell ill once more, and we headed to Reale Hospital, where I learned that I owed KSh 1,000, money I didn’t possess. I reached out to Irene, yet couldn’t contact her for three days, causing me great distress. This prompted me to lie about our child having undergone surgery—just to gain Irene’s notice, since I believed I was already quite an inconvenience to her," she explained.

Concerning claims that she prevented those assisting her from contacting, Sharon clarified that she utilizes a pay-as-you-go mobile service. Consequently, whenever she doesn’t make the necessary payments, her phone gets deactivated, thus preventing individuals from getting through to her.

She further stated that she had spoken to Irene and apologised for deceiving her, adding that she was just desperate.

The mother of one mentioned that she is a graduate but has been unlucky in finding work, which has led to her financial struggles and online appeals for help.

“My baby is fine right now, but whenever he is unwell, I rush him to the hospital for nebulisation,” she stated.

Nandi woman exposed for conning Kenyans

In a Facebook post, Irene Biwott, who has been assisting Sharon, disclosed that she had blocked someone after requesting from her followers twice to donate funds for the child's medical costs.

Irene additionally pointed out that Sharon deceived everyone regarding her infant having surgery in Eldoret, yet she didn’t supply any documentation to back up her statements.

Last week, I addressed her urgent message and requested assistance from my wonderful followers for her 7-month-old child, Shayan Kiprono, regarding necessary medical treatment. Initially, she informed us that her infant had undergone an operation at Reale Hospital in Eldoret. However, when I contacted her, she mentioned that she was now in town and claimed to have entrusted her baby’s care to her cousin who remained at the hospital.

Irene further alleged that Sharon had called one of her friends, asking for rent money and funds to start a business. Sharon, however, clarified her intentions.

Sharon revealed that she indeed contacted a friend to inquire about obtaining assistance for starting a business, as this seemed like a more enduring answer to her issues. She mentioned to her friend that she works at a tea company and emphasized how keeping the baby outdoors in the cold impacts his well-being.

After these disclosures, the disheartened supporter posted images showing that others were alleging Sharon had deceived them as well, prompting internet users to remain vigilant.

Sharon firmly stated that she would never betray those who had assisted her and offered an apology for deceiving them regarding the surgery.