Over Sh8 Million Raised in Four Days in Support of a Kenyan Cyclist Who Died Racing in the US

Well-wishers have contributed more than Sh8 million for Kenyan cyclist Suleiman Kangangi, who died after a crash in the United States last weekend.

Following his tragic death, a GoFundMe page was created on Monday to collect funds to support his surviving wife and children. 

Four days later on Thursday night, $70,100 (Sh8.4 million) had been raised, surpassing the target of $40,000 (Sh4.8 million).

“His dream of bringing East African cycling to the world was becoming a concrete reality these last few weeks as he had the opportunity to race in the US for the first time (Leadville 100, SBT GRVL, Gravel Worlds, and Vermont Overland),” reads a message on the GoFundMe page.

“After the final race of this inaugural US visit, when the team should have been celebrating John Kariuki’s win and Jordan Schleck’s 3rd place, we find ourselves in mourning, grappling with the huge loss of a great cyclist and tremendous human being.”

The 33-year-old captain of Team AMANI died after a crash at high speed during the Overland gravel race in the US state of Vermont on Saturday. Team AMANI comprises riders from three East African countries including Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. 

Kangangi, who was born in Eldoret, finished third in the Tour du Rwanda in 2017, and later found success in gravel racing. He was active in growing cycling in Kenya and hosted clinics and school events around Nairobi.