Sometimes, life forces us to make difficult choices that we believe will improve the lives of our loved ones. However, a moral dilemma arises when these sacrifices disproportionately impact a child.
In Nairobi, 15-year-old Malvin Muturi caught the attention of many when he was seen tirelessly searching for ways to support his ailing mother and siblings.
His story came to light when he approached Counselor and social activist Juliana Olaya during a bursary issuing session in Kariobangi South. All he asked for was a job, a request that left her surprised.
“I wanted to know how a young man that is supposed to be in school was seeking a job, yet under the Children’s Act, that’s child labour. He said he was seeking a job to help his mum. I went to that house with immediate effect,” the lady wrote on her Facebook.
Ms Olayo shared that she found Muturi’s mother in a deplorable state of health that needed immediate hospital intervention. The illness dates back to after she gave birth to her youngest child. On past occasions, she has made visits to KNH but couldn’t because of a lack of finances.
“She has a clot because of deep vein thrombosis, that has left her partially blind. Her nerves are failing,” she added.
A quick search by Bizna Kenya revealed that Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein mostly in the leg.
In addition to her deteriorating health problems, her husband left her and the children all alone after seeing that she had been admitted to the hospital.
“With the mum being sick with a young baby and not being able to feed them has made the young man act like the man of the house; he seeks food and diapers from strangers,” she said.
Hope of joining university to pursue medicine fades for KCSE star who scored A Plain
“They have rent arrears for 7 months, with the landlord having switched off the lights we had to use our torches, the caretaker has also given them an immediate eviction notice making it even harder for her to get well. Her rent is Sh. 5,000 a month,” the Open Talk Diaries Founder added.
Juliana Olayo further added that the mother, her young baby and Malvin Muturi and 3 other children have absolutely nothing to eat. The other children are Meldy njoki, Tamara Waigumo and Tamima Gladys.
For this reason, the young 15-year-old had to sacrifice his dreams, bravely step out of school to find any means he can to provide food for the family and find diapers for the child.
“If you have any food or even diapers, you can send them as well…At the moment, someone has to hold the young man’s hand so that he does not get harassed by the adults around him,” she wrote.
The family’s charity line is 0700567381.