A chilling scam operation involving a group of self-proclaimed herbalists known as Mugwenu Doctors has been exposed after a former IEBC commissioner lost over KSh 6 million in a string of fake spiritual rituals, all orchestrated through the phone number +254 740 637 248.
Margaret Wanjala Mwachanya, a respected former electoral commissioner and ex-deputy ambassador to Pakistan, has now filed a lawsuit seeking justice after what she describes as a deeply manipulative and fraudulent experience at the hands of Mugwenu Doctors a group notorious for publishing misleading success stories on Opera News and other digital platforms to attract desperate victims.
It Started with an Online Ad, Ended with Millions Lost
In January 2024, Mwachanya came across a persistent job-related online advert that led her to Mugwenu Doctors. Posing as spiritual advisors, they promised to unlock a powerful job opportunity using spiritual rituals. She made an initial KSh 3,000 consultation payment, followed by a KSh 12,500 herbal dose.
From there, the scam escalated quickly.The herbalist, using the number +254740637248, instructed her to withdraw KSh 530,000 for a “ritual” after asking her age and linking the amount to her “spiritual path.” She handed over the money, sealed in a cloth-wrapped container, to a man claiming to be the herbalist’s son.
She was told to pray over it for 21 days.But when she opened the container — the cash had disappeared.
Fake Rituals, False Promises
Despite the loss, Mugwenu Doctors convinced her to pay again: this time KSh 380,000 for a second ritual. She was summoned to a dark, candle-lit shop in Western Kenya. The herbalist hid behind a curtain, refusing to show his face.
When she said she only had KSh 1,000, she was told to place it in a wooden box.The deception deepened.She was then shown the same box, now appearing full of cash.
The scammers told her it was KSh 18.3 million, supposedly money she had “lost since birth.” But to access it, she had to “top up” another KSh 1.8 million.Once again, she followed their instructions, only to be met with more lies.
The ‘Elders’ and the Sh48 Million Lie
The so-called doctor, still using +254740637248, contacted her again, now introducing her to two “elders” on the phone. They praised her as a “woman of iron” and claimed her blessings had grown to KSh 48 million — but only if she could pay KSh 3.33 million more.
Still clinging to hope, she paid. Then came another instruction: if she wanted to “speed up the process,” she could send KSh 75,000 to a handler traveling to Tanzania to “appease the spirits.” She complied.
The Final Ritual – And The Threats
Eventually, Mwachanya was invited to the final ritual. She was told to toss the wooden box her supposed treasure into a bonfire.
“They said the money would be wired to my bank,” she said. “But when I insisted on confirmation, I was threatened. The doctor told me to run for my life.”
Mugwenu Doctors: A Pattern of Digital Deception
This isn’t an isolated case.Mugwenu Doctors have flooded the internet particularly platforms like Opera News with fabricated testimonials of people allegedly cured, reunited with lovers, or blessed with sudden wealth.
Behind the screen is a well-crafted con, run through the number +254740637248, exploiting Kenyans who are in search of healing, money, or employment.
They target: Job seekers Sick or vulnerable patients People in financial distress Emotionally desperate individuals
They ask for mobile money payments, manipulate victims with promises of wealth, and vanish after repeated withdrawals.
Seeking Justice:
Mwachanya’s case is now in court. A hearing is set for July 7, 2025, and it could mark a turning point in exposing spiritual scammers who exploit trust and belief for financial gain.
She hopes her voice will serve as a warning to others. “I believed in what they said. But they were thieves hiding behind tradition and faith.”
Public Warning
If you receive calls or messages from +254740637248 claiming to be Mugwenu Doctors ignore them. Do not send money. Do not trust their stories. Report them.
This is a call to law enforcement, digital platforms like Opera, and the Communications Authority of Kenya: crack down on these predators.
