As Kenyans grieve the untimely death of beloved actress Alicia Nimo, real name Alice Wairimu, a disturbing event has added to the heartbreak. Mourners who came together in a WhatsApp group to coordinate funeral arrangements and raise funds were targeted by a scammer who manipulated the group for personal gain.
The actress, known for her vibrant role in the popular TV series Tahidi High, passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 19. She was just 25 years old. In the wake of her death, fans, fellow actors, and family members formed an online group to coordinate memorial plans and offer financial support for the funeral. The group was created with the aim of bringing together those who admired her talent and wanted to help give her a proper send-off.
However, the group’s purpose was quickly compromised. A man within the group requested to be made an admin, claiming he needed the access to help add new members. Once he gained administrative privileges, he demoted the original admins and quietly changed the official donation message. He replaced the legitimate paybill and phone number with his own.
By the time members noticed the fraud, more than KSh 6,000 had already been sent to the scammer’s number. Several individuals shared mobile money transaction confirmations that revealed the funds had been misdirected. The revelation caused confusion and anger among the group, with many expressing disbelief that someone would exploit a funeral fundraiser for personal gain.
“What kind of person does this during mourning?” one group member asked in frustration. “It’s heartbreaking.”
The group is now considering legal action in hopes of tracking down the individual responsible and recovering the lost money. There’s a growing call for justice, not just to retrieve the funds but to prevent similar scams from affecting others in the future. The situation has also sparked broader conversations about security and verification in online fundraising spaces, especially during emotionally charged times.
Despite the setback, plans for Alicia Nimo’s memorial and burial are moving forward. A memorial service is being held today, Thursday, April 24, at New Breed City Chapel in Thome, opposite St Gabriel Catholic Church along the Northern Bypass. Her final resting place will be in Kandara, near Thika, on Tuesday, April 29. Her body is currently at Kenyatta University Mortuary, where it is being preserved ahead of the funeral.
The family, with the support of a burial committee, continues to appeal for assistance from friends, fans, and well-wishers. Their goal is to ensure Alicia receives a dignified and respectful farewell that reflects the impact she had on many through her acting and warm personality.
Tributes continue to pour in from the entertainment industry, with colleagues remembering Alicia as a gifted performer whose passion lit up every scene she was in. Her former mentor described her as energetic and deeply committed to her craft, noting that her passing is not only a personal loss to her loved ones but a major blow to the local acting community.
While her sudden departure has left many in mourning, there is hope that the outpouring of love and unity—despite the unfortunate scam—will help honor Alicia Nimo’s legacy in a meaningful way.
