Kenyans dig deep into pockets to raise Sh32m

Well-wishers have raised over Sh32 million for victims of the terrorist attack at Westgate Mall.

A statement from Safaricom confirmed that Sh32.152,451 had been raised by midday Monday.

The money was donated by over 100,000 Kenyans who sent in as much as Sh50,000 or a modest Sh10, the mobile service provider, which set up the fund on Sunday said in the statement.

Safaricom also announced it had set up a separate phone number, 0702848484, for Kenyans living in the diaspora to contribute.

It advised Kenyans living abroad to send their contributions through money transfer facilities like Western Union.

The Kenya Red Cross, which is in charge of the fund, plans to raise Sh80 million.

HAS BEEN ZERO RATED

“As at 12 noon today, more than 100,000 Kenyans had sent Sh32.152,451 to M-Pesa pay bill number 848484. The number, which was set up by Safaricom, has been zero rated, meaning all the funds will go to the Kenya Red Cross emergency and humanitarian support services for the Westgate tragedy,” the statement said.

“I would like to thank Kenyans for their overwhelming support — we have seen Kenyans come out in large numbers to donate blood and share the proverbial 10 cents to help out a brother and sister in need. The Kenyan giving spirit never ceases to amaze me and I would like to call on all of you not to tire because the task ahead may be daunting but with your help, we will overcome,” Kenya Red Cross general secretary Abbas Gullet said.