A wave of distress has swept through a group of Kenyans on Facebook after they collectively lost nearly Ksh 300 million to an individual named Passy Ma Trevor. The alleged scammer, who had cultivated a following as a courageous HIV activist, lured unsuspecting investors with the promise of a 23.5% monthly return on their investments.
Passy, known for her public displays of generosity and kindness, had long been seen as a trustworthy figure. She organized numerous fundraisers that appeared to be in support of noble causes, though these have since been exposed as self-enrichment schemes. Her followers, many of whom admired her resilience and charitable work, were drawn into her latest venture in 2022 when she announced she was seeking investors.
The allure of Passy’s promise was further heightened when she launched a new land firm, selling plots through a flexible payment plan known as Lipa Mdogo Mdogo. To her followers, Passy appeared to be a successful businesswoman capable of multiplying their money, leading them to invest millions without conducting any due diligence or meeting her in person. The belief in her credibility was so strong that they overlooked critical warning signs.
Investors, inspired by Passy’s apparent wealth and convinced of the potential profits, plunged into the scheme with vigor. Some used their life savings, while others went as far as taking out loans to invest in what they believed was a surefire way to secure financial freedom. Many introduced their family and friends to the scheme, further increasing the pool of victims.
Passy’s lifestyle was another factor that convinced her followers of her authenticity. She often shared images of herself cooking extravagant meals for her dog, including spaghetti and chicken, which she claimed was a treat to break the monotony of feeding it ugali like “regular peasants.” This display of affluence was enough to silence doubts and encourage more investment.
As the months passed, the promised 23.5% returns never materialized. Investors, who had hoped to receive their hefty profits, found themselves trapped in a nightmare, realizing they had been scammed. The reality hit hard as some had even risked using money set aside for critical needs, such as medical expenses, in the hope of a quick profit.
Now, the victims are left reeling from their losses, grappling with the harsh reality that their trust was misplaced in someone who exploited their admiration and desire for financial gain. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of get-rich-quick schemes and the importance of thorough research before making financial investments.
As authorities and the public try to piece together the extent of the scam, the victims are now calling for justice, hoping that Passy Ma Trevor will be held accountable for the millions lost and the lives shattered by her deceit.
