Entrepreneur and socialite Huddah Monroe has ignited controversy after claiming that over 70% of Kenyans engage in scams. Taking to social media, Huddah expressed her frustration with local businesspeople, arguing that many are unreliable and dishonest, making it safer to import products rather than trust Kenyan traders.
Huddah’s bold statements have drawn mixed reactions, with some agreeing with her sentiments while others view them as an unfair generalization. She advised consumers to remain vigilant when engaging in business transactions, particularly with individuals rather than established companies. “Before you part with your money for any services, make sure you do your due diligence,” she warned. “If you can import something, that’s even better. Always work with well-established companies. Individuals should be approached with extreme caution.”
She went further to highlight red flags to watch for when dealing with businesses, especially those without a physical presence. “Know where they live, their parents’ house, their siblings—everything,” she emphasized. “At least for me, I have the resources to track anyone down, unless they don’t use Wi-Fi or mobile phones.” Her words reflect the growing concern among Kenyans about rising cases of fraud in various sectors, from online shopping to real estate.
Huddah also cautioned that scammers would ultimately face the consequences of their actions. Predicting severe repercussions, she warned, “People will start disappearing or losing their lives over petty scams. Keep playing around with theft for small amounts of money, but remember, a thief’s days are numbered.”
She criticized fraudsters for their deceptive tactics, explaining that many pose as brokers but lack the capital to execute their promises. “They take your money, pretend they can do the work, and then scramble to find someone else to do it. Sometimes, they just use your money to pay off their debts,” she said. This observation aligns with complaints from Kenyans who have fallen victim to middlemen who fail to deliver on their promises.
Her final remarks called for harsher measures against scammers, comparing them to criminals who were once publicly punished. “Back in the day, thieves were stoned in the streets. That’s the only way people learn,” she remarked. While her suggestion is extreme, it has sparked a heated debate about how best to deal with rising fraud cases in Kenya.
Huddah’s statements have left many reflecting on the state of business ethics in Kenya. Whether her claims are exaggerated or not, they highlight the growing distrust in the marketplace and the urgent need for better consumer protection measures.
