Kenyan TikToker Sheryl Gabriella has drawn online scrutiny after footage from her late father’s burial revealed a grass-thatched home in the background, prompting followers to question her past claims of financial success.
Gabriella shared the video on August 17, 2026, showing mourners gathered at the gravesite of her father, Joseph Kipkoech Mutai, who passed away on August 8, 2026. While the post was intended to mark his burial, public attention quickly shifted to the surroundings.
Discrepancy Over Past Financial Claims
The online reaction stems from a pattern of public statements the content creator had previously made regarding her income and lifestyle. Gabriella had previously asserted that she built her parents a house, a statement fans recalled after seeing the thatched structure in the burial video. She had also previously boasted about high earnings while criticizing followers regarding their financial status, alongside acknowledging that a benefactor covered her bills.
The appearance of the grass-roofed home contrasted sharply with the prosperous narrative Gabriella projected online, leading a section of social media users to accuse her of fabricating her achievements.
Response and Community Support
When questioned directly by followers about the house she built and why her father lived in a humble home, Gabriella responded:
“Nilijengea mzazi alinielea.”
Despite the online criticism, many of her followers rallied behind her, offering messages of condolence, comfort, and solidarity during her period of grief.