Betty Yego’s Family Gets New Hope as Kenyans Raise Money for a Home

Betty Yego’s family has received a major show of support after Kenyans raised KSh 318,000 in less than a day to help them secure land and build a home, according to the report. The appeal followed renewed attention on Yego, whose distressed state near Kenyatta University had been captured in footage shared online. Well-wisher Derrick Mbugua, from Kiambu, visited the family and said he was shaken by what he found. Yego’s parents and nine siblings—11 people altogether—were living in a fragile shelter made from torn sacks, scrap iron sheets and mud. Mbugua appealed for donations to help the family buy land and build a three-bedroom house using mabati, or metal sheets. The fundraising target was KSh 200,000 for land and KSh 100,000 for construction. Contributions went beyond that goal, reaching KSh 318,000, while the local community, mobilised by assistant chief Christine Tekei, added KSh 16,000, the article reports. Mbugua said a pastor and the assistant chief would remain involved to oversee the land purchase and follow the building project. Tekei thanked those who contributed, saying the community was grateful for the support given to the family. Yego’s father, David Kitui, also expressed his thanks and asked God to bless the donors. Her mother spoke emotionally about the relief she felt, saying she prayed blessings for the supporters and their families. The report says Mbugua and two boda boda riders initially intervened after the footage circulated, helping Yego receive medical care and reunite with her family in Mt Elgon. The new fundraising effort is intended to improve the living conditions of her parents and siblings, with the organisers saying they will help ensure the money is put toward land and construction.