This archive report was first published on 14 June 2020.
Charles Mwenda, a truck driver from Meru County, was left heartbroken after his wife, Faith Mwende, lost her battle with stomach cancer on May 24, 2020.
With the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, Mwenda faced an uphill task in transporting his wife's body from Malindi to Meru County, as government-imposed travel restrictions made it difficult for him to do so.
After his plight was shared on social media, Kenyans rallied behind him emotionally, spiritually, and financially, with popular activist Ndung'u Nyoro starting a funds drive on Facebook that went viral.
Thanks to the outpouring of love from Kenyans, Mwenda was able to raise more than KES 700,000, with one well-wisher even paying a year's salary for a house help to take care of his three young children.
Speaking to the press, Mwenda expressed his gratitude for the kind gesture, saying, "I am lost for words by the outpouring of love from Kenyans during this dark season. I appreciate all the help."
With the funds raised, Mwenda hopes to start a spare parts business and expand his tuk tuk business, giving him a new lease on life after the loss of his wife.
