“Nilipigwa Picha na Pikipiki na Kifunguo, Nikaambiwa Enda kwa Gate Unaletewa. Kufika kwa Gate, GSU Wakaniambia enda Nyumbani.” State House beneficiaries speak out, claim they were conned in President’s empowerment programme. A group of young Kenyans revealed how they were deceived in a Statehouse con, lured by false promises of government opportunities during a visit to the presidential residence. The group, invited to the Statehouse for what they believed was a legitimate meeting with officials, now claims they were misled with assurances of jobs and payments, only to face exploitation.
The incident, widely discussed on X and reported by Kenyans.co.ke, has sparked outrage, with searches for “Statehouse con victims” and “Kenya government scam” surging as the public demands accountability.
The victims, mostly unemployed youth from Nairobi and surrounding areas, were invited to the Statehouse, allegedly to discuss empowerment programs following Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
One victim recounted being photographed with a motorbike and keys, promised the reward would be taken to him outside the statehouse gate, only to be dismissed by GSU officers at the gate with nothing.
“Nilipigwa picha na pikipiki na kifunguo, nikaambiwa enda kwa gate unaletewa. Kufika kwa gate, GSU, fwiuu, enda nyumbani,” he shared, highlighting the betrayal.
The claims, linked to shadowy intermediaries posing as government insiders, mirrors past scams exploiting Kenya’s high unemployment rate.
Public reaction on social media has been intense, with @MigunaMiguna calling it a “shameful manipulation” of vulnerable youth, while others demanded investigations into who orchestrated the scheme.
The victims allege they were promised money, items and job placements, but received neither. The move has reignited distrust in government initiatives, especially after recent controversies involving public officers, as noted by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah on K24TV.
The Statehouse allegations have exposed systemic issues, with unemployment driving desperation among Kenya’s youth. Activists like Morara Kebaso are calling for transparency, urging the government to address fraudulent schemes exploiting Gen Z’s economic struggles.
The incident shows the need for genuine empowerment programs, as fake promises erode public trust. As victims share their stories, the scandal highlights vulnerabilities in Kenya’s jobless youth population.
The guys who went to Statehouse are opening up on how they were conned.
— I am Chege (@_James041) August 12, 2025
" Nilipigwa picha na pikipiki na kifunguu, nikaambiwa enda kwa gate unaletewa. Kufika kwa gate, GSU, fwiuu, enda nyumbani."
Bwana I can't stop laughing 😂😂😂
Na tuliwawarn. Do not expect anything good… pic.twitter.com/cK05EJZzQZ
Social media continues to amplify calls for accountability, with the victims’ plight galvanising public outrage and demands for accountability. The government’s silence risks further eroding trust, as youth seek real opportunities.
The incident calls for urgent reforms to protect vulnerable citizens. In conclusion, the groups that went to the statehouse have exposed a troubling exploitation of Kenya’s youth, lured by false government promises.
However, others dismissed him saying they benefitted from the statehouse visit. Now, the statehouse empowerment has two groups alleging to be given goodies while other ghosted after the visit.
— The Nairobi Times (@TheNairobiTimez) August 12, 2025
