Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has recently made headlines for his generous act of compassion, coming to the aid of political activist Nuru Okanga by clearing a KSh 900,000 hospital bill for Okanga’s 10-year-old son, who has been battling kidney failure. This act of kindness not only alleviated a significant financial burden but also restored hope to a family in desperate need.
The young boy had been receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital for over three months, during which time the medical expenses accumulated to an overwhelming amount. The mounting bills had become a source of deep anxiety for Okanga, a well-known figure in Kenya’s political landscape, particularly for his vocal support of the Azimio political movement.
Despite his public persona and connections to several politicians, Okanga found himself in a frustrating and desperate situation. He had reached out to various well-wishers and political allies for assistance, only to face disappointment as many of those he counted on failed to respond to his pleas. Even though figures like Raila Odinga and Babu Owino had come to his aid, the overall support was insufficient to cover the mounting medical expenses. Okanga expressed his frustration and despair publicly, noting that many politicians had stopped picking up his calls, leaving him feeling abandoned during one of the most challenging times of his life.
In early August, Babu Owino, an influential figure in his own right, made efforts to assist by requesting a waiver for the hospital bill. However, despite his best attempts, the hospital reportedly declined the request, leaving Okanga in a precarious situation. By August 11, the outstanding bill had reached a staggering KSh 900,000, causing Okanga immense stress and worry.
However, in a turn of events that brought immense relief to Okanga and his family, CS Kindiki stepped in on August 12 to clear the entire bill. This generous act was facilitated through politician Mike Makarena, who was sent by Kindiki to settle the amount on his behalf. This intervention not only addressed the immediate financial burden but also brought emotional solace to a father who had been grappling with the fear of being unable to provide the necessary medical care for his son.
In addition to clearing the KSh 900,000 bill, Kindiki went a step further by promising to cover an extra KSh 120,000 for further analysis of the boy’s blood, which is to be sent to India or South Africa for more comprehensive testing. This commitment underscores Kindiki’s genuine concern for the well-being of Okanga’s son and highlights his willingness to go beyond mere financial assistance.
Overjoyed by this unexpected support, Okanga expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Kindiki. He acknowledged that while some of his political allies had deserted him in his time of need, Kindiki’s timely intervention had restored his faith and hope. Okanga praised the CS, wishing him blessings for his generosity and compassion during such a challenging time.
This incident serves as a reminder of the power of kindness and empathy, especially in a society where political and social ties often dictate actions. Kindiki’s act of clearing the hospital bill not only helped a family in distress but also set a powerful example of leadership that prioritizes humanity over politics.
