For eight years, life has been slowly slipping away for Veronica Ongachi, a single mother from Mwimuto in Kiambu County. Once strong and hopeful, she now spends her days indoors—weak, in pain, and battling a worsening medical condition that has left her stomach severely swollen.
Her health problems began when the swelling first appeared, prompting her to seek medical care at Kenyatta National Hospital. Doctors advised that she undergo surgery, but Veronica was unable to raise the required money. With no stable income and no financial support, the procedure never happened, and her condition has continued to deteriorate.
Today, she struggles to walk, sleep, or even sit comfortably. Adding to her burden, she cares for her son, who has an underlying medical condition that sometimes causes violent episodes. Like his mother, he urgently needs treatment—and like her, he has been unable to access it.
Well-wisher Joseph Murimi, who has been checking on the family, says the situation is extremely dire. He describes days when both mother and child go without food. “Imagine someone who is already sick, and there is no food in the house,” he said. “Veronica cannot work, and she cannot take care of herself. We are asking Kenyans of goodwill to support her.”
Their small home has become a place of silent struggle—an ailing mother unable to move freely, and a child who needs medical care, both living on the edge.
Veronica is now appealing for help from well-wishers:
“Help me get treatment so I can live. And help my son, so he can have a chance at life.”
Her case highlights the difficult situations many vulnerable families face, suffering quietly as they wait for support that could restore hope and dignity.
