It was supposed to be the opportunity of a lifetime, the chance for a young Kenyan student to fulfill their dreams of furthering their education abroad. Benson Mbundi, a KCSE student who had scored a C+ in his exams, was awarded a full scholarship to study at a university in Texas, USA. However, fate had other plans in store for him.
A month before his planned departure, Mbundi traveled upcountry to attend a relative’s funeral. It was then that he began to experience frequent headaches and weakness in his limbs. Despite visiting various hospitals, his condition continued to worsen, and he eventually fell into a coma. Efforts to restore strength to his limbs were unsuccessful, and he became paralyzed.
In a desperate attempt to save their son’s opportunity, Mbundi’s family sold their property to pay for his medical care and seek different opinions from various hospitals. However, their efforts proved futile, and Mbundi was left paralyzed and unable to move without assistance.
The dream of studying in the US slipped away, and Mbundi was forced to stay at home on his mattress, unable to move freely. It’s been 24 years since then, and Mbundi still lives with his illness, with no hope in sight. He has recently appealed to the public for help in purchasing a wheelchair and to Kisii Governor Simba Arati for assistance in providing education for his children.
The story of Benson Mbundi is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of fate. It is also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring love of family. Despite the setback, Mbundi’s family did everything in their power to help him, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
