A Kenyan woman, who runs a second-hand goods shop in Githurai made a plea to social media followers, touching many peoples' hearts after asking for help to rescue her ailing mother from plight.
Brenda Wanjiru, gathered courage and coupled it with hope then shared the heartbreaking story of how her mother, Jacqueline Wamuyu, who had transformed Nanyuki Town, collapsed at a funeral after suffering a stroke on the left side of her brain in January 2020.
Before her illness, Wamuyu, a former teacher, was a hard-working woman who innovated pesticide that aided farmers in Laikipia, Meru, Nyeri and Embu Counties to manage their crops and save money.
Her innovation earned her a nationwide audience after Citizen TV aired her story on a feature dubbed Mwanamke Bomba on July 2, 2019.
Fast forward to 2020, Brenda lamented that her mother's efforts had gone down the drain, having to take over the family responsibilities.
"Her daily meds are so costly, I need to pay a house girl we just hired, a daily nurse and a limbs expert. Those expenses would drive anyone crazy. Help me manage my mom’s health, come to my two little sister's rescue and help me get back on my feet again.
"Mum was rushed to Nanyuki Hospital. And then to Mwea Karira Hospital and then to Nyeri and finally, had to be moved to live with her sister (my auntie) in Nyeri. And just like that, our two last born sisters were displaced, their schooling was disrupted and my life turned upside down," Wanjiru cried out.
She added that her bed-ridden mother had lost her ability to speak as she struggled to feed her every day.
"My mother moved from being a self-sufficient mother of five to being bed-ridden within just six months. She cannot walk or talk, or fend for her two little girls or herself.
"I went from seeing a bubbly and jovial mother to a woman I feed, help walk, take meds and watch struggle to talk. She has never mentioned my name since then. She lost her power of speech and can’t still walk. To date, she’s been living in a bedroom for two months," Wanjiru tweeted.
Kenyans responded swiftly with notable individuals such as renowned lawyer Cliff Ombeta jumping to her aid sending her Ksh 10,000 via mobile money transfer, as she looks forward to raising over Ksh 200,000 for medication.
Others retweeted her post while also encouraging her to stay strong.
"I've noticed you sell baby stuff too. I am starting a baby shop in April. I will contact you before then so you can help me stock. Prayers," one netizen replied.
"I'm so heartbroken!! I am sending your mother all the strength and healing that she needs. May God open doors for your family and may sickness never be your portion again," Ann Gicheru added.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke Wanjiru affirmed that she had received text messages encouraging as a number of Kenyans also responded by sending their contributions.
"I would like to thank everyone who has contacted me and also call upon others to stand with us," Wanjiru stated.
Video: Citizen TV
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