Popular Kenyan comedian Mannerson Ochieng, better known as Akuku Danger, has opened up about the deeply personal reasons behind his decision to remain childless — and it’s rooted in his long battle with sickle cell anaemia.
In an interview on October 1, 2025, the comedian explained that though he is physically able to father children, he has deliberately chosen not to. His concern lies in the high risk of passing the sickle cell gene to offspring — a potential he said he cannot ignore.
“As a person, mimi saa hizi bado sina mtoto. It is not that I can’t; I can. But I choose to live a life yenye I have to be very keen on what happens around me. I can’t just go around cohabiting na madem hapa na pale. I wouldn’t want to bring another child in this world mwenye bado anaenda kuwa na the same condition,” he said.
Akuku Danger has been open about how sickle cell has shaped much of his life. He was born with the condition, has experienced recurrent hospitalizations, and lost loved ones — including his younger sister — to the disease.
During the same interview, he said measures like genetic and trait screening are critical when considering having children, but even then, he has committed to a childless marriage.
“It is my job to make sure that sickle cell dies with me, or if it is a must to procreate, we have to do the screening with the spouse tujue kama ako na hizo carrier. Kama hana, well and good. Tumeenda screening, but as a person, I have actually decided to have a marriage that is childless. Sitaki mtoto mimi,” he explained.
His admission drew a wave of support from many who admired his vulnerability and the courage it took to publicly share such a personal decision. Some praised his honesty and willingness to address the physical, emotional, and genetic realities of sickle cell.
Others have also pointed out how this conversation raises awareness about sickle cell disease in Kenya — its impact, its challenges, and the tough choices those affected sometimes have to make.
Akuku Danger’s life story has been intertwined with his condition. Born in Migori County in 1990 and diagnosed early in childhood, he has openly described hospitalisations, pain crises, frequent health setbacks, and financial strain.
Despite this, Akuku has used his platform to raise awareness, advocate for routine genotype screening, and encourage public discussions around genetic diseases. He has also urged communities to support those living with sickle cell, both financially and emotionally.
Akuku Danger says he’s made peace with his decision. It’s not out of fear, but out of responsibility and care — both for himself and any potential children. While he loves kids and admires parenthood, he believes bringing a child into the world who might suffer as he has would be unfair.