Morara Kebaso: I was branded swindler for my civic education to youth
Political activist Morara Kebaso has revealed that his efforts to educate young people about civic responsibility were met with a coordinated smear campaign, leaving him branded as a swindler.
In a statement on his X account on Friday, November 28, 2025, Kebaso said thousands of youth bloggers were hired to tarnish his reputation after his civic-education series, Vampire Diaries, exposed misappropriation of public funds.
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Kebaso said the campaign specifically targeted his fundraising for fuel, a project he described as a people-powered model of citizen participation. He explained that the initiative allowed communities to support projects transparently, without relying on unknown sources of funding.
“When the government saw the impact of the Vampire Diaries in exposing theft of public money, they hired thousands of my fellow youth as bloggers to destroy my reputation. My weakest point of attack was the fundraising for fuel.”
Depression
The activist revealed the personal toll of the attacks, describing how the trolling affected his mental health and social life.
“I was trolled to depression. A man who had worked hard all his life for his property was painted a conman, a beggar and a swindler. I had to leave my family WhatsApp group. I stopped going to church because I felt the world saw me as a fraud.”
Kebaso expressed disappointment that many of his supporters accepted the false narratives.
“And the most heartbreaking thing is that you believed them. I expected you to defend me so that you form a protective curtain as I continue with the work. But you did not. You agreed with them.”
To protect his credibility, Kebaso said he refunded anyone who requested reimbursement and maintained transparency in his civic projects. He highlighted that, unlike politicians accused of wrongdoing, he felt the sting of false accusations deeply.
“Some of you say hata William Ruto hutusiwa kila siku na kuitwa mwizi. Well, in his case, it’s true, so why should he care? If I make 3 billion daily from theft, would I be offended to be called a thief? It only pains when it is false.”
Kebaso also reflected on the broader implications of his experience for young leaders.
“I have a heart that cares not a heart of stone like the politicians you vote for … but with time, soft hearts harden and those who care stop caring. That is how promising transformational leaders become violent and corrupt.”
