British singer-songwriter Elton John on Wednesday helped to raise Sh600 million for the Elton John AIDS foundation that will see at least 400,000 men receive HIV self-test kits.
Elton hosted a celebrity-packed gala that raised the cash that will be used to fight HIV/AIDS in the country.
Some celebrities who attended the party, according to Citizen Digital, included Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, The Who guitarist Pete Townshend, actress Joan Collins and Taron Egerton, who plays John in “Rocketman,”.
The function was held at a villa in Cap d’Antibes in France.
Celebrities had the opportunity to perform at the function with Chris Martin performing “Viva La Vida.
Elton performed two of his hits, "I’m Still Standing” and “Rocketman.”
He later told the press that the funds will be used to enhance the foundation's fight, against HIV/AIDS.
“We’re here for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, our first south of France fundraiser, hopefully, to raise money for people who desperately need it in our fight against HIV and AIDS,” the singer told reporters as quoted by Citizen Digital.
“The thing is for people to get tested, to know their status, not to be ashamed of it. It’s a very treatable disease,” he added.
Funds raised from the Wednesday function will provide HIV self-test kits to 400,000 young men in Kenya.
Elton John AIDS Foundation which was founded in 1992 operates in sub-Saharan Africa.