Dan Wema Denies Siphoning Phyllis Medical Funds as Family Claims She Never Got Treatment
Controversial Kenyan philanthropist Dan Wema has denied allegations that he vanished with funds raised for Phyllis, a woman with a severe neck swelling, after her brother came out claiming she never received the treatment the money was intended for.
Phyllis’s brother, Morris, alleged that Wema only gave him KSh26,000 and did some shopping for milk and yoghurt, without disclosing how much Kenyans had contributed. He claimed his sister remains sick at home and has not received any other assistance.
Wema’s Breakdown of the KSh700,000
In a statement on September 28, Wema said public support raised about KSh700,000 and denied misappropriating the money.
He said approximately KSh200,000 was spent on:
- Logistics and accommodation: Flights to Eldoret, Airbnb lodging, transport, and meals
- Medical expenses: Emergency evaluations and blood transfusions at Hope Hospital
- Family support: Settling three months of rent arrears for Phyllis’s brother, Morris, plus KSh26,000 for his basic upkeep and subsequent rent
Wema said approximately KSh500,000 remained from the original amount raised and insisted the balance was still intended for Phyllis’s treatment.
Why the Balance Was Not Sent to Family
Wema explained that the remaining KSh500,000 became complicated because of disagreements over account arrangements. He said the plan was to hold the money in an arrangement involving a family member, but the available account was a personal account and Phyllis’s relative wanted to remain the sole signatory.
“I chose to be cautious with the remaining money rather than just sending it without proper accountability. Imagine I send someone KSh500,000 into a personal account and tomorrow something happens to that money. What would Kenyans ask me?” Wema stated.
India Treatment Plan Faced Challenges
Wema said consultations were held with two doctors in India who indicated Phyllis could be taken there but warned her condition was serious and treatment did not guarantee recovery.
He said the family faced challenges with documentation and the passport process, making travel to India more difficult. The situation made him fearful, particularly after the recent death of another person, Erick, who suffered a similar condition.
As the India option stalled, Wema said attention shifted to palliative care.
Family Requested Removal from Social Media
Wema added that the family later requested that Phyllis’s case be removed from social media. He said the request, along with online criticism, contributed to his decision to stop discussing the case publicly.
He noted he had since seen reports that Phyllis was taken to M.P. Shah Hospital and said he hoped she would receive appropriate medical attention.
The Allegations Against Wema
The family claims they were never informed how much was raised from Kenyans of goodwill to help Phyllis seek treatment in India. Phyllis is reportedly still at home without receiving the treatment the funds were intended to support.
The controversy has sparked intense debate on social media, with some TikTok users accusing Wema of having taken Phyllis’s money.