TikTokers raise Ksh1M within hours to facilitate repatriation of Zack Apela’s body to Kenya
By Steve Ireri, July 12, 2026The Kenyan TikTok community has raised more than Ksh1 million within hours to support the repatriation of the body of the late content creator Zack Apela from the United States to Kenya.
The emotional fundraising drive unfolded during a TikTok live session on Sunday, July 12, 2026, hosted by Zack’s brother, Dr Solo, who could barely hide his gratitude as donations continued pouring in from Kenyans watching the broadcast.
Speaking while reading out the latest contributions, Dr Solo announced that popular TikToker Nyakwar and her supporters had made what he described as the single largest donation to the fundraiser.
“Yes, wow, this is amazing. First, right now, Nyakwar has sent Ksh90,000. Thank you. The total is Ksh405,545. That is the single largest contribution from Nyakwar and her team. I would like to thank all of you,” he said.
As the live session progressed, Dr Solo revealed that the overall amount raised through TikTok had already crossed the Ksh1 million mark, leaving him visibly emotional.
“I am lacking words also. Even our family friends who had undermined TikTokers because of the negativity that they had shown at first are now saying that they will join TikTok. It’s a good twist. I am even lacking words. I thank you all,” he said.
He explained that many people close to the family had initially doubted whether the TikTok community could mobilise meaningful support because of the platform’s reputation for online drama and controversy.
However, the overwhelming response from Kenyans had completely changed that perception.
According to Dr Solo, the generosity displayed by thousands of strangers had convinced even sceptics that TikTok could be a powerful platform for unity during moments of tragedy.
“So far from TikTok, we have received KSh1 million, and I want to go downstairs and break the news to those people. Thank you so much. Let’s continue like that. So Zack’s body, I can say, must be brought back home,” he added as viewers cheered in celebration.
Burial plans
During a family update, Dr Solo revealed that the burial had been tentatively scheduled for July 18, 2026, although he noted that the date would depend on the success of fundraising efforts.
He disclosed that transporting Zack’s body from the United States to Kenya would cost approximately USD35,000 (about Ksh4.5 million), describing it as the family’s biggest challenge.
Dr Solo appealed to Kenyans and members of the TikTok community to support the fundraising effort, saying Zack had touched many lives through his online content and deserved a dignified send-off.
“We also agreed that he will be buried back home in Ahero. The committee agreed that the burial will tentatively be on July 18. It’s not final because it depends on a lot of things, including finances, which is the biggest thing,” Dr Solo said.