Drama in Nairobi as a man from Murang’a bought what he thought was a brand new TCL 43-inch TV for KSh 30,000 along Luthuli Avenue, only to find out at home it was an M-KOPA pay-as-you-go model. He rushed back to the shop, and a big crowd gathered, turning the scene into something like a public showdown.
The buyer, who came from Murang’a County, picked the TV from one of the many electronics shops on the busy street. Luthuli Avenue sits in the heart of Nairobi’s CBD. People know it for cheap deals on gadgets, TVs, phones, and more. But stories of scams have gone around for years.
At home, he opened the box and saw the M-KOPA branding. Those TVs come on a hire-purchase plan. Customers pay a deposit, then daily or weekly fees through mobile money to unlock use. They do not have full ownership right away. He felt cheated, thinking he paid for a new, outright TV.
He returned quickly with the set. Shouting started. Word spread fast. Passers-by stopped. Shoppers nearby joined. Soon, a crowd formed outside the shop. People demanded the seller refund the money. Phones came out for videos. The noise drew more attention.
No police reports mentioned arrests that day. But the standoff lasted a while. The seller eventually gave back the cash, from what witnesses said. The man left with his money, but the story spread online.
Luthuli Avenue scams are not new. Buyers often get switched boxes. Or told about hidden “activation” fees after paying. Some end up with older or refurbished sets sold as new. Others face pressure to buy extras.
Many advise caution there. Check the item works before leaving. Buy from known shops. Some say stick to Somali or Indian-owned places for better trust. Online orders from sites like Jumia avoid the risk.
M-KOPA TVs are legit products. The company sells solar-powered or regular sets on installment plans. Useful for people without upfront cash. But reselling them as brand new without clear terms is wrong.
This case highlights ongoing issues. Crowds gathering shows public frustration. People watch out for each other sometimes.
Nairobi shoppers hear these tales often. Electronics draw bargain hunters. But risks come with low prices.
The man got his money back. Others are not always so lucky. Advice stays the same: test everything on site. Keep receipts. Know what you buy.
Luthuli stays busy. Deals real and fake mix. Buyers stay alert. Stories like this remind shoppers to be careful. Good deals exist. But check twice. The crowd helped this time. Not always the case.
