Social media activist and businessman Morara Kebaso has announced a bold initiative to refund all monetary contributions made to him by Kenyans at the height of his civic education campaign, in a bid to restore public trust and defend his reputation.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Morara called on anyone who had ever donated to his cause to submit their M-Pesa messages or reference codes for a full refund. His gesture, he said, was not only an act of accountability but also a declaration that his pursuit of leadership was not driven by financial gain.

“If you need a refund for any contribution you made to me when I was raising funds, kindly reply below with the M-Pesa message… I would like to refund any Kenyan that may have thought the contributions were a motivation for me to seek leadership,” Morara posted.

From Revolutionary Voice to Public Scrutiny

Morara rose to prominence during the June 2024 Gen Z protests, quickly becoming one of the most influential online voices challenging President William Ruto’s administration. His popularity surged as he positioned himself as a symbol of youth-driven change.

However, his rapid ascent was met with skepticism and later backlash. Critics accused him of betraying the Gen Z movement, cozying up to political powers, and misappropriating funds that were meant for grassroots civic engagements. Allegations emerged that the money raised was instead fueling his personal business interests.

As public confidence waned, many began to question his intentions and integrity—leading to the current public reckoning.

Public Reaction: Praise and Criticism

Reactions to Morara’s refund offer have been mixed. Some users applauded his transparency, while others remained critical.

“You had a great chance to rise in leadership, but you blew it,” one X user commented, echoing the sentiments of many disappointed followers.

“You trolled and insulted me every day. I’ve gotten to a point where I’m ready to refund. Please save my time and paste those M-Pesa messages,” Morara responded, revealing the emotional toll of the criticism.

Some critics compared his move to the questionable practices of elected leaders who mishandle public funds and later offer token refunds.

Confirmed Refunds and Ongoing Effort

Despite the backlash, several users confirmed receiving their money back. One popular X user wrote:

“After many days of struggle, I can confirm that @MoraraKebasoSnr has paid back my 500. Big thanks to @Tuko_co_ke and all who supported me in this fight.”

Morara reaffirmed his commitment to the refund initiative, stating that the process would continue for at least three more days to ensure all who feel aggrieved receive their money.

“Even God knows I have done my best. But I cannot continue living a life where I’m traumatized every day to feel like a thief. My reputation is more important than money,” he stated.

A Reputation on the Line

In what appears to be a deeply personal effort to reclaim his standing, Morara emphasized that the refund campaign is more than just about money—it’s about clearing his name and correcting the narrative.

As Kenyans continue to share their M-Pesa codes in hopes of receiving refunds, Morara’s campaign stands as a rare move in the world of online activism—an attempt at financial accountability, reputation management, and perhaps, a chance for redemption.

Whether this initiative will restore the trust he once commanded remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Morara Kebaso is not stepping away quietly.