Allan Ochieng', popularly known as Hype Ballo's family and friends have initiated a fundraiser to cover his legal expenses.
The drive, which is being spearheaded by some of the biggest names in the DJ'ing community in Kenya, as well as some of the leading nightclub hypemen, was launched after Allan Ochieng, alias Hype Ballo, was named as the prime suspect in the ongoing murder case of Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer Felix Kelian.
Kelian succumbed to injuries sustained a week after an altercation involving DJ Joe Mfalme, Hype Ballo and their driver.
On Monday, April 8 before the Kibera Law Courts, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) applied to drop the charges against DJ Joe Mfalme and five other co-accused, recommending them to serve as state witnesses in the murder case of Kelian.
Among the accused-turned-state witnesses are Eric Kariuki Gathua, Simon Wambugu Wanjiru, Khadija Abdi Wako, Sammy Cheruiyot Rotich and Agnes Kerubo Mogoiare.
However, Hype Ballo was singled out by the DPP to be charged with the murder.
“The ODPP has further recommended that the 1st accused, Allan Ochieng, be charged with the murder of the late senior cop attached to DCI Dagoretti. Allan Ochieng is to take a plea at Kiambu Law Court and be charged with murder,” the ODPP stated.
In light of the turn of events, Ballo's fellow hypemen have now initiated a united online drive aimed at facilitating his legal defense.
Using the hashtag #IStandWithBallo, the nightlife entertainers have been expressing their support for Ballo, maintaining that he is innocent while also asking the public to send their financial support to a Paybill number specifically dedicated to the cause.
Some of the notable DJs and hypemen who have already shared the poster and rallied the public towards the cause include DJ Creme de la Creme, DJ Joe Mfalme, DJ Cibin, Kriss Darling, DJ Lisney, DJ Sych and hypemen MC Gogo, Timeless Noel, MC Hype Don and Hype Gad Kenya.