Kenyan TikTok creator King Katheu is raising awareness about a common habit that could put commuters at risk while using public transport. In a recent video, Katheu warned people against showing full Mpesa confirmation messages to matatu conductors.
According to Katheu, many passengers open the entire Mpesa message when asked to prove payment. While the message confirms that money has been sent, it also displays the remaining account balance. She explained that exposing this information in public can make people vulnerable to theft.
Katheu advised commuters to use the Mpesa pop-up notification instead. This notification appears immediately after a transaction, confirming the payment without revealing the balance. “It’s a small precaution, but it can prevent someone from knowing how much money you have,” she said.
To illustrate the danger, Katheu shared a story of a passenger who opened his full Mpesa confirmation while paying for his fare. The message showed that he had about Ksh 30,000 in his account. According to Katheu, the conductor noticed the amount, and the passenger was reportedly followed after leaving the matatu and later attacked.
The story has sparked discussions online, with many social media users admitting they had never considered the risk of exposing their Mpesa balance. Some shared their own experiences and urged others to be more careful when handling their phones in crowded places such as matatus.
Katheu emphasized that protecting personal financial information is essential. Simple measures like using the pop-up notification, keeping your phone screen away from strangers, and being mindful of your surroundings can reduce the likelihood of becoming a target for criminals.
Her message serves as a timely reminder for Kenyans who rely on Mpesa for daily transactions, especially when commuting. Many viewers agreed that being more aware of what appears on their phone screens can improve personal safety and prevent unnecessary risks.
Katheu’s advice highlights how small changes in daily habits can make a big difference. As more people adopt these precautions, the hope is that incidents of theft related to exposed Mpesa messages will decline.