Fundraiser for Kenyan Man in UK Closed After Community Raises Questions

A fundraising campaign launched to support a Kenyan man facing hardship in the UK has been withdrawn, with the organiser saying all donations will be refunded after members of the community raised questions about the appeal.

The fundraiser was organised by Boniface Karanja, a Kenyan living in the UK, after reports that John Kariuki had lost his employment and accommodation. Karanja said he received a significant number of enquiries and messages after the campaign was publicised, prompting him to close the fundraiser and begin the refund process.

Karanja said his decision to assist Kariuki was based solely on a desire to help a fellow Kenyan believed to be in difficulty. He said he had no previous personal relationship with Kariuki and had acted after learning about his circumstances.

The organiser thanked those who had contributed and said the experience showed the need for more thorough checks before future fundraising campaigns are launched.

Karanja said refunds had already been initiated through the fundraising platform. Donors are expected to receive their money through the same payment channels they used to make their contributions. He also asked anyone experiencing difficulties with the refund process to contact him directly.

The appeal followed reports that Kariuki had lost his UK employment after a contract linked to a Certificate of Sponsorship came to an end. Accounts circulated within the Kenyan community said the expiry of the contract left him without stable accommodation and in need of urgent assistance. Kariuki was also reportedly preparing an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain at the time.

People involved in the initial support effort said Kariuki had been identified through an online volunteer network. The network helped arrange temporary accommodation while efforts were made to find a longer-term solution.

He was later reported to be staying in low-cost hostel accommodation while looking for employment and more permanent housing. Appeals were made to Kenyan organisations, churches, community leaders and individual well-wishers for assistance, including job opportunities and financial support.