David Aliwa, renowned for his portrayal as a prosecutor in the Kenyan television programme Vioja Mahakamani, serves as a good example of ‘grass to grace’. This became even more evident when he recently opened up about his traumatic childhood experiences, which have had an impact on his adult life.
In an interview with Vioja Mahakamani’s host media company, the star confessed that his strained relationship with his now-dead father resulted from wounds created when he was young.
Now a mentor and advisor to young men, Aliwa reminisced about the period when he and his siblings had to spend time in an Indian household that his father had sold them into. This act was done to support the family's financial status.
At the tender age of seven years, the now television star was given over to unknown men by his father who worked as an immigration officer at Kisumu county. He served his newfound 'family' for two years.
According to Aliwa, their mother, who was never aware of what had transpired at the time, searched for them for almost two years, before she finally tracked them down to their owner’s home.
“These Indians used to take African children from people who are unable to be with them, and try to school you as you work for them,” Aliwa narrated.
Aliwa was later forced to cater for his livelihood and that of his siblings, after his mother passed away seven years later when he was 14 years old.
Selling mandazi and ice cream in Kayole, in addition to help received from wellwishers around him, Aliwa was fortunate enough to see his family through the hardships experienced, emerging as a role model for young men.
“While growing I saw what women were going through, unfortunately at the hands of my father, which made me want to understand what makes men get a family and not fend for them,” he noted.
Members of Aliwa’s acting group have commended him for his guidance, especially in mentoring young men, terming him a leader, and mentor to many young people looking up to him.
“I have learned that to as a man one needs to be smart and hardworking, with self-drive to reach your goals in life,” Fred Moya, one of Aliwa’s mentees stated.
Narrating a similar estranged relationship with his father, another member of the acting club stated that it took time before his father accepted his life choices, and was opposed to his acting career.
“My father had to accept the situation and release me. At least now I can afford to pay my rent, buy food and support my family in one way or another,” Teddy Mutsi stated.
