Kenyan youth raise millions to aid families affected by protests

In a remarkable display of solidarity and compassion, Kenyan youth have successfully raised millions of shillings to support families, cover hospital bills, and arrange burials for those who lost their lives during the recent two-week protests.

The nationwide unrest has resulted in tragic losses and widespread hospitalisations.

165 injured protestors were admitted at the Kenya National Hospital on Wednesday as Human rights groups warned Kenya police against using excessive force during the demonstrations which have left at least 23 people dead.

The protests began on June 18 against the proposed finance bill 2024.

In response to the turmoil, young Kenyans have come together through various platforms to organise fundraising campaigns, utilising social media, crowdfunding websites, and community networks.

The link hosted on the MChanga platform has managed to amass over KSh. 24.5M.

The funds have been used to pay for hospital bills, fund funerals and assist the families of the victims of the two-week protests.

Among the families who have received assistance include Rex Masai and Evans Kiratu’s families who each received KSh. 1M according to one of the Mchanga signatories.

“We have sent one million each to their (Rex and Evans) families,” said Hanifa Farsafi. “The remaining will be sent to the family of Ian, who was shot three times in the back and won’t be able to walk again.”

Ian Keya was shot during the June 25 protests. One of the three bullets ripped through his spine.

On Thursday, most of the funds were used to pay for medical bills across hospitals in Nairobi which were taking in people injured from the protests.

“Mchanga has found a way to pay for medical bills directly. I’ll be posting the details here (X.com) after going to each hospital,” said Hanifa.

This comes as a blood drive kicks off across the country to support hospital blood banks.

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