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‘Tumuinue’: TikTokers donate thousands for Karangu Muraya’s brother who sells chapati in Mwiki
15th August, 2026 02:13 AM
Kenyan TikTokers have rallied behind pastor Samuel Karuga Muraya, the brother of gospel singer and philanthropist Karangu Muraya, donating thousands of shillings to support him alongside his struggling chapati business, which he operates from Mwiki.
The online fundraiser took place on Friday, August 14, 2026, and attracted contributions from TikTok users who said they wanted to help Karuga strengthen his business and improve his family’s circumstances.
One of the TikTokers leading the drive urged him to embrace the support and see the donations as a new beginning.
He told Karuga that the fundraiser was not only about sending him money but also about reminding him that he was loved and supported by people who wanted to see him succeed.
“And do not hate yourself. I am not a preacher, but my heart loves, and I want to give you a good donation so I can wipe your tears,” the TikToker said.
The TikToker said the group had come together to deliver a message of love to Karuga and to assure him that he was not alone.
“We came to send you the message that we love you,” the TikToker said.
He then made a personal connection with Karuga, recalling a relative who shared a similar name.
“I remember my mum’s brother was called Karuga, just like you,” he said.
The TikToker also promised to visit Karuga in person, saying he wanted to meet him and have a conversation with him away from the online fundraising effort.
“And I will also visit you soon so we can talk,” he said.
Before the two could have their conversation, however, the TikToker said he wanted to send Karuga his contribution first.
“Let me send you the money first before we start talking,” he said.
He then told Karuga that he believed the fundraiser marked the beginning of a new chapter for him and urged him to recognise the opportunity that had come his way.
“Truly, your time has come,” the TikToker said.
After sending the money, the TikToker asked Karuga to confirm the transaction, noting that the name displayed on the M-Pesa message matched his name.
“I have sent you the money, so check your M-Pesa. The name it showed is Samuel Muraya, which is yours,” he said.
The TikToker then indicated that the support would not end with the initial cash contribution, saying the group wanted to learn more about the kind of work Karuga could do before organising further assistance.
“Let us also know the work you can do, and we will come there, many people, and we will also help you,” he said.
He extended the promise of support to Karuga’s family, telling him that the group wanted to help them build a better future.
“You and your family, we will make you shine because this is your time,” he said.
He ended by encouraging Karuga to embrace the moment and make the most of the support he was receiving.
“Shine,” he added.
Karuga’s reaction
Karuga was visibly overwhelmed by the speed at which the contributions came in, saying his M-Pesa inbox was suddenly filled with messages from people sending him money.
“Wow, my M-Pesa is now full of money messages. I cannot even follow up on who just sent it now. It is full,” Karuga said.
He expressed disbelief at the generosity of the TikTok community, saying he could hardly keep track of the transactions as the contributions continued arriving.
“Omg, you guys are so good, and I am so grateful,” he said.
Karuga said the sudden change in his circumstances was difficult for him to comprehend, particularly because the donations had accumulated within minutes.
He then revealed that he had been dealing with a Fuliza loan, but the incoming contributions had quickly changed his financial position.
“I cannot even comprehend how things are moving. God is really good. I cannot imagine I had a Fuliza loan, but now I have Ksh18,000 just in minutes,” he said.
Appeal over struggling business
The fundraiser comes days after Karuga appealed to Kenyans on TikTok to support his chapati business in Mwiki.
In the appeal, he specifically asked for support for the business rather than presenting it as a new venture, explaining that he was already running the chapati operation and needed assistance to keep it growing.
Under a post titled “Women for Karuga Muraya – Support His Chapati Business”, he listed flour among the items needed to sustain the business.
“Karuga Muraya runs an existing chapati business. Let us support him directly to keep the business growing and thriving,” the appeal read.
He said contributions of any amount were welcome, encouraging people who wished to support the venture to do so at any time.
“Any contribution is welcome at any time,” he said.
He provided an M-Pesa number through which well-wishers could send their contributions and identified the business location as Kasarani Mwiki along ACK Road.
Author
Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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