Wakenya nisaidieni, John Kirongoci says “I have never imagined that a single M-Pesa message could change my life forever. As I speak today, my house is quiet, my heart is crushed, and I live with a regret I cannot escape.
It happened in three weeks time, and the memory is still fresh and painful.
I was seated at home, worried and financially strained, when my phone beeped. I checked and saw an M-Pesa message showing that I had received Ksh 83,250 from a name I did not recognize — Nadia Wekesa. I stared at the screen in disbelief. My two daughters had been sent home because of unpaid school fees, and I had no clear plan. In that moment I whispered to myself, “Maybe this is a blessing in disguise.”
Without thinking twice, I switched off my phone and rushed to an M-Pesa shop. I withdrew the money immediately. I paid Ksh 32,000 in school fees, cleared a loan with a shylock, and bought food and household supplies. I kept telling myself, “I will figure it out later.”
After about three hours, I switched my phone back on. Messages started coming in from an unknown number.
“Kindly refund the Ksh 83,250 sent by mistake. It was meant to pay a hospital bill for my ailing mum at Kenyatta National Hospital. Please.”
My hands shook as I read it. But the money was already spent. Fear and shame took over. I switched off the phone again.
Later, more messages came:
“I tried to call you.”
“Please refund my money or else live to regret. I cannot watch my mum die.”
I told myself, “These are just threats people use to force reversals.” I ignored them.
Another message came with a softer tone:
“Please John, refund even 70K and keep 13K for your kindness.”
I still did not respond.
Then she called. I answered once. She was crying. She said, “Please refund me the money. I took a loan to save my mother. Don’t let her die like this.” I cut the call and switched off my phone.
On the third day, I received a long message:
“John, I have already handled my case to Dr Magongo +254720899984, that is the man who you will pay my money when things get worse… I swear you will remember me forever.”
Five days later, tragedy struck. My last-born daughter was involved in an accident on her way home from school. She did not survive. I was shattered. Through tears I said, “I first thought it was just a painful accident. I told God — if this was your will, let it be.”
Two days after that, my first-born daughter Mitchelle was hit by a car and died on the spot.
That is when everything broke inside me.
“Losing two daughters in less than a week is not a joke,” I keep telling people. That is when the words “you will regret” started echoing in my mind.
Today, I am pleading: help me find Nadia Wekesa. I am ready to refund every shilling. I just want to say, “I am sorry. Please forgive me.” I am living in fear — and in endless regret.
