NAIROBI, Kenya — An outpouring of online support has pushed a GoFundMe fundraiser for a US-based Kenyan family close to its target following the tragic loss of three children in a road accident along the Naivasha Highway.
The fundraiser, launched to help cover medical, funeral and travel expenses, had raised $66,392 (about Sh8.6 million) of its $70,000 (Sh9 million) goal by 11:05am on January 22, 2026, drawing contributions from more than 870 donors.
The appeal was started after siblings Emmanuel DeLeon (13), Kairu DeLeon (6), and Njeri DeLeon (16) were killed in a crash on January 4 while visiting Kenya with their parents.
The tragedy sent shockwaves through communities in Kenya and in Waterloo, Iowa, where the children were students.
Friends, classmates, teachers and strangers have since rallied around the family, sharing the fundraising link widely across social media and diaspora networks.
The children’s parents, Leah and Christopher DeLeon, remain in Kenya as they coordinate funeral arrangements and support relatives during the difficult period.
The GoFundMe page, titled “Support for Leah, Christopher and DeLeon Family,” was created by a family friend, Lyndie Maina, to help the family manage the sudden financial burden triggered by the accident.
According to the appeal, funds are urgently needed to cater for medical costs, travel and accommodation for family members, and funeral expenses for the three children.
Family accounts indicate that Emmanuel and Kairu died at the scene, while Njeri, a student at West High School in Waterloo, initially survived the crash but succumbed to her injuries days later after being hospitalised in critical condition.
Tributes have continued to pour in. Emmanuel was remembered by teachers at Hoover Middle School as a cheerful and warm-hearted eighth grader.
Kairu was described by family friends as a joyful six-year-old who brought light to those around him.
Njeri, a junior and member of her school’s cheerleading team, was celebrated for her dedication, kindness and positive spirit.
Kenyan and American community groups have amplified the fundraising drive, urging supporters to donate or share the link, noting that even small contributions can help ease the family’s burden.
In Nairobi, funeral preparations are ongoing at the International Christian Church Centre on Mombasa Road, with meetings held daily from 5pm to 7pm.
A memorial service for the three children is scheduled for Friday, January 23, at 10:00am at the International Christian Centre, Nairobi.
This will be followed by a funeral service at Kariokor Crematorium on Saturday, January 24, starting at 7:00am.
Vigils have been held in both Kenya and the United States, with friends and relatives sharing photos and memories of the siblings online.
