Philanthropist Ndungu Nyoro has highlighted the financial struggles of businessman Powel Ochieng Oyugi, whose company he says collapsed following a dispute involving KCB Bank Kenya and millions of shillings.
Nyoro says Powel had built a promising business that employed more than 30 workers and had travelled to India to import garments as he sought to meet growing demand from his customers.
“When I woke up to Powel’s alarming post, I felt so bad,” Nyoro says, describing the businessman as a young man who was “working so hard” and pursuing “big dreams.”
Nyoro says Powel believed the trip to India would help take his business to the next level, but the situation later changed dramatically.
How the KCB dispute affects Powel
According to Nyoro, Powel’s business collapses after the dispute involving KCB Bank Kenya, leaving more than 30 workers without jobs.
“The entire business collapsed. The workers lost their jobs. It became extremely difficult to support his own family. And now surviving on debts here and there,” Nyoro says.
The account follows claims by Powel concerning millions of shillings linked to international business transactions through KCB Bank Kenya. His account remains his version of events and has not been independently established.
Nyoro says the effects extend beyond Powel, noting that the businessman had customers who relied on his company for services.
He says one of Powel’s customers contacted him after he shared the businessman’s story. The customer is a director of a school with more than 1,000 learners and, according to Nyoro, had been sourcing school uniforms from Powel since 2019.
Nyoro appeals for support
Nyoro says he was particularly struck by the contrast between Powel’s earlier business prospects and his current financial situation.
“It’s quite a shock that this is the promising young man, who tonight depends on 100 bob support from each of us, to support his 4 very young children,” he says.
Nyoro also directly criticises KCB Group over the situation, saying: “Hapa, KCB Group Plc wametuangusha kabisa.”
He then appeals to members of the public who can afford to contribute towards Powel’s family.
“You have some few shillings to spare? Let’s tell Powel he will rise again. Perhaps even better,” Nyoro says.
Nyoro shared Powel’s M-Pesa number, 0792354903, with the account name Powel Ochieng Oyugi.
The claims concerning KCB Bank Kenya and the disputed transactions remain allegations based on Powel’s account as shared by Nyoro. KCB Bank Kenya’s response is not included in Nyoro’s statement.
