NAIROBI, Kenya – A wave of compassion swept through Othaya on Sunday as hundreds of young Kenyans, many mobilized via TikTok, turned up to support content creator Kaluma Boy, who has been struggling to care for his ailing father.
Kaluma, who has been documenting his journey on social media, revealed that his father suffered a stroke in August 2024 and later slipped into a three-month coma.
Since being discharged in December, the family has been in and out of hospital, with mounting medical bills proving overwhelming.
To make ends meet, the young creator has been picking tea on a local farm to cover costs. But with physiotherapy and medication still out of reach, he recently turned to his followers for help.
“I appeal to you to help us. If we can find someone to take him to a physiotherapist, he will be well soon. It has been hard for us; the medications are expensive,” he said in one of his viral clips.
His plea touched thousands of Kenyans online, who quickly organized a fundraiser and journeyed to Othaya in a convoy of buses.
Videos from the event showed crowds pouring into his homestead, with donations and words of encouragement flowing in.
Among those who lauded the initiative was former Chief Justice David Maraga, who praised the youth for their solidarity while taking a swipe at the government’s handling of healthcare.
“Congratulations to the youth and TikTok creators for the massive turnout to support Kaluma Boy in Othaya today. We wish Mzee a quick recovery,” Maraga posted on X. “If Kenyans need confirmation that the future of this country lies in the hands of the youth, they should watch this video.”
The retired CJ accused the government of misleading Kenyans about the state of the Social Health Authority (SHA), urging young people to channel their collective energy into political participation.
“Shame on the government for lying, even at international fora, that SHA is working! I urge you, our youth, to translate your zeal and numbers to political power by joining the voter registration exercise commencing tomorrow,” he said, calling for a “#BallotRevolution.”
For many online, the moment marked not just a show of solidarity for Kaluma Boy, but a broader symbol of Gen Z’s ability to mobilize around causes that matter.
Congratulations to the youth and Tik Tok creators for the massive turnout out to support Kaluma Boy in Othaya today. We wish Mzee a quick recovery.If Kenyans need confirmation that the future of this country lies in the hands of the youth, they should watch this video.Shame
