Piece by: PAUL AMUKO

11 July 2023

• A viral video has exposed a deceitful practice employed by fruit vendors in Murang'a County.

• The video captures the dismayed narrator expressing her disbelief at the state of the avocados she purchased.

In a shocking revelation that has left Kenyans astonished, a viral video has exposed a deceitful practice employed by fruit vendors in Murang'a County.

The video, shared by a concerned citizen, reveals the true nature of avocados being sold in the region. These avocados, which initially appear ripe and purple, have been cunningly painted to deceive unsuspecting customers.

The video captures the dismayed narrator expressing her disbelief at the state of the avocados she purchased.

''Angalieni watu wangu oneni, imepakwa rangi hauezi elewa ni nini, i don’t know where we are heading as kenyans angalieni tamaa ya pesa, avocado zangu haziivi zinaoza.''

She warns viewers about the potential dangers of consuming these artificially colored fruits, emphasizing the need to be cautious in a world driven by greed.

''Now the problem is do we even know what is this applied on top of the avocado..tutakula mavi tutakula poison.''

The video quickly gained traction, triggering a wave of reactions on social media.

Netizens flooded the comments sections of various platforms, expressing their outrage and sharing their own experiences.

Many lamented the rampant dishonesty in the marketplace, questioning the lengths people would go to for personal gain. One user,@ m.e.g.s.m.i.l.y, remarked, "This is so sad. Kenyans are playing with everything, but avocados? No way!"

@m.e.g.s.m.i.l.y yeah Kuna dem alituwuon...watu wakaona ni biz ya mtu anaspoil..see another one.This is so sad

@peshpettra Au. Kenyans mucheze na kila kitu but ovacado n000 n000 apana!!!

@nancynamukoa 4h _144 _Jr While our real sweet ovacados are rotting in shambas because we are not well known by wakuu to be qualified suppliers. Kenyaaaaaaaaa

@hypedawg_the_dj Economy hatari, people just getting creative to curve it out .

@lyrical_pablol7 alb Heri avacodo imerembeshwa na rangi kuliko kubuy mbegu za avocado usiku ukidhani ni waru

@treezy_trev 7h Hao wa pelekwe EACC direct! Surely!?

@irynkanyago There is an old man in a place called kaharati. Zake hazijawahi iva tangu kitambo but he is still there selling he he

@michere_warui Even bananas you will buy those good looking ones, looks well ripen lakini ndani ni ngumu kama maisha ya wengi wenu don't buy shit from those people

The revelation also sparked discussions on the struggling economy and the desperate measures individuals are taking to survive.

Some commenters, such as @hypedawg_the_dj, highlighted the dire circumstances that lead people to resort to such deceitful practices.

However, the majority of comments expressed anger and disappointment, calling for stricter measures to curb such fraudulent activities.

It was discovered that these unscrupulous traders were dipping avocados in a black chemical substance to create the illusion of ripeness.

The buyers who questioned the hardened skins were assured that the fruits were actually ripe inside. Consequently, many customers fell victim to this elaborate trick, only realizing the deception after reaching home.

Social media users shared their encounters with similar frauds, recounting incidents involving bananas, yoghurts, samosas, and even fried chicken.

As the news spread, Kenyans were urged to be cautious when purchasing avocados and other fruits, particularly from roadside vendors.

The incident serves as a reminder that vigilance is essential in a society where unscrupulous individuals exploit every opportunity for personal gain.