More than KSh 650,000 has been raised by Kenyans in the diaspora to secure legal representation for Abedinecho Kyalo Katue, a Kibwezi-born nurse currently facing serious criminal charges in the United States.
The funds were mobilized through an online fundraising effort led by New York-based Kenyan entrepreneur Naomi Wairimu Gichuki, who announced late Sunday night that the initial target for the lawyer’s retainer fee had been successfully met.
In a social media update, Gichuki revealed that supporters had raised $5,175, equivalent to approximately KSh 667,000, surpassing the initial $5,000 (about KSh 645,000) target that had been set to secure legal counsel ahead of Katue’s expected court appearance.
“WE DID IT for Abedinecho Katue. $5,000 is now ready for the lawyer’s retainer fees to represent him tomorrow,” she wrote, adding that the fundraising milestone was reached shortly after 11:04 p.m. EST on March 8.
Despite hitting the initial goal, Gichuki encouraged supporters to continue sending contributions, noting that the legal process in the United States can be costly and the funds raised so far only cover the initial retainer.
Arrest in Florida
Katue was arrested in Florida following allegations that he sexually assaulted a vulnerable patient while working at AdventHealth in Orlando.
According to a report by WFTV Channel 9, the 46-year-old nurse is accused of sexually violating a female patient who had undergone surgery and was recovering in hospital after suffering an amputation.
Investigators allege that the incident occurred in January 2025 but the arrest was made more than a year later after authorities gathered evidence and reviewed hospital records as part of the probe.
Warning to Kenyan Men in the US
As the case continues to trend among Kenyans online, Gichuki also used the moment to caution Kenyan men living in the United States to be mindful of cultural differences when interacting with women.
The entrepreneur, who runs Naomi Cars, warned that certain comments that may appear harmless or playful in Kenya could easily be interpreted differently in the American legal environment.
“Oh you’re beautiful, I’ll take you to Kenya… Stop guys. Many Americans do not understand such jokes kabisa. Avoid those utterances because they can easily be used against you in a court of law,” she wrote.
Debate Among Kenyans
The arrest of the Kibwezi-born nurse has sparked intense debate among Kenyans both in the diaspora and back home, particularly in the Ukambani region where the story has quickly spread across social media platforms.
While some Kenyans have called for patience and urged the public to allow the American justice system to determine the truth of the allegations, others have expressed outrage over the disturbing claims involving a patient described as vulnerable.
Katue is expected to appear before a Florida court as the case proceeds through the American legal system.
