Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga came to the aid of a struggling 18-year-old who is need of funds in order to cater for his medical treatment.
Wisdom Naya was recently diagnosed with Soft Tissue Sarcoma- a rare type of cancer that starts in soft tissues (muscle, tendons, fat, lymph and blood vessels, and nerves and spreads to other body structures.
The condition ultimately cut short his football aspirations, forcing him to desperately and helplessly stay at home.
His parents had earlier revealed to the media that the young lad was in need of Ksh2.5 million in order to seek further treatment in India.
During Raila's tour in Kitale on Saturday, November 20, various residents and football fans carried placards highlighting Naya's plight. Touched by the boy's condition, the former Premier donated Ksh500, 000 while Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi contributed Ksh100,000.
Naya's father Edward Onyango had stated that his son had a promising future following his successful signing with Sofapaka that won the 2008/2009 Kenya Premier League title.
"I was able to realize his talent after he joined secondary school. While he played for St Anthony's Boys in Kitale, he was called up by Sofapaka FC to join the team in 2019. I had hopes that he had a bright future ahead of him."
"I am appealing to well wishers to help us raise the funds needed," he urged pointing out that Naya's contract was set to expire in January 2022.
His sentiments were echoed by Naya's mother Dinna Cherop who detailed how her son's medical condition was costly as she appealed to Kenyans of goodwill to stand with them to carry the burden.
"We have gone for a number of chemotherapy sessions before further surgery is done. Doctors at a local hospital have recommended for amputation among top options though we haven't arrived at the decision," she stated.
According to the mother, one chemotherapy session cost the family Ksh55,000 and they had done about five sessions thus far.
The footballer had developed complications from what they thought was a normal knock injury in 2020. Seeking medical attention, the doctors later revealed that it was not a normal injury.
The family noted that Naya was a source of inspiration to many youths who aspired to trail on his career path. His fans also had many hopes in him believing that he would transform his family's lives and the society in general.
