A recent social media post by Justina Wamae has reopened an uncomfortable discussion about how banks treat customers who try to grow financially, with I&M Bank now at the center of a troubling public conversation.
Her message was short and direct, but the example she shared points to deeper problems in Kenya’s banking system that many people quietly fear.
Wamae questioned why society is quick to demand explanations for wealth but rarely asks questions about the sources of poverty.
To drive her point home, she shared a story involving an I&M Bank customer. While she clearly stated that she could not confirm the truth of the story, the details were serious enough to raise concern.
The account described a businessman who had banked with I&M for years and moved millions of shillings through his account without issue.
Problems began when he withdrew money from his own business. His account was frozen with a large sum inside, right before the holidays, leaving him unable to meet daily needs.
According to the story, the bank demanded proof of the source of funds. The customer says he provided the documents requested, yet the account remained frozen for days.
The delay affected his business operations and personal life. Matters allegedly became worse when a stranger contacted him, claiming the account could be unlocked in exchange for a large percentage of the money.
Although the account was later unfrozen, the experience left the customer shaken and angry, and he warned others to be careful when dealing with the bank.
This story, whether fully accurate or not, touches a nerve because it reflects fears many Kenyans already have.
Banks like I&M are trusted with people’s livelihoods. Freezing an account without clear communication or timely resolution can cause real harm.
Rent goes unpaid, businesses stall, workers suffer, and families are left stressed. When this happens to someone who has followed the rules, it raises serious questions about fairness and accountability.
I&M Bank, like all banks, has a legal duty to monitor transactions and prevent crimes such as money laundering. That responsibility is understood. What worries people is when these checks appear heavy handed, slow, or poorly explained.
Customers expect protection, not punishment, for using formal banking channels. When someone who has consistently used the same bank suddenly faces restrictions without clear answers, trust begins to break down.Wamae’s larger point goes beyond one bank. She is calling out a system that seems suspicious of progress. When a person starts moving large amounts of money, the first reaction is doubt.
Yet no one asks why so many Kenyans remain poor, locked out of credit, or trapped by high costs of living. In this case, the bank’s actions, as described, appear to add another barrier instead of supporting growth.
The public reaction shows that many people relate to this fear. Even those with modest savings worry that success could invite trouble rather than security. That is a dangerous message for a country that needs entrepreneurship and investment to grow.
Add Comment