A heartbreaking story of a 17-year-old boy from Bungoma County who broke down in tears while selling bananas by the roadside has attracted an outpouring of support, with comedian Eric Omondi and former Nairobi County Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria stepping in to change his life.
The teenager, identified as Bryson Makokha, went viral after a video captured him struggling to sell bananas, revealing the painful discrimination he experiences because of a skin condition.
In the emotional footage, Bryson explained that some potential customers avoided purchasing his bananas because of his physical appearance, leaving him struggling to make sales.
His story has since moved Kenyans, with many expressing sympathy and calling for urgent medical intervention to help him overcome the condition.
Eric Omondi announces four-point support plan
Comedian and activist Eric Omondi was among the first prominent personalities to respond to Bryson’s plight.
Through his Sisi Kwa Sisi initiative, Omondi traced the teenager to Chwele in Bungoma County and visited him alongside content creator Minister Zido, who helped bring his story to public attention.
Omondi pledged a comprehensive intervention aimed at transforming the teenager’s life and supporting his family.
Among his commitments are facilitating specialised medical treatment, paying Bryson’s school fees to enable him to continue his education, helping the family acquire a decent home and establishing a fully stocked retail shop to provide them with a sustainable source of income.
In a message shared on social media, Omondi declared:
“Tutasimama na hii familia mpaka mwisho.”
He also appealed to Kenyans to contribute towards the family’s welfare through his Sisi Kwa Sisi initiative. Pulse Kenya +2
Geoffrey Mosiria promises medical assistance
Mosiria has also joined the growing list of Kenyans offering to support the teenager.
In an update shared on Wednesday, November 11, Mosiria revealed that he had contacted Bryson’s family and arranged for the boy and his father to travel to Nairobi, where he pledged to support them.
He promised to take responsibility for the teenager’s medical needs and ensure he receives appropriate medical attention and treatment.
“After learning about his situation, I contacted his family, and today, together with his father, they have travelled to Nairobi, where I will fully support them. I will also ensure that this young boy receives the necessary medical attention and treatment,” Mosiria said.
He further appealed to Kenyans of goodwill to join hands in supporting the family, expressing hope that Bryson would receive treatment and return to school.
“No child deserves to suffer, be rejected or lose hope because of a medical condition they have no control over,” Mosiria stated. Pulse Kenya
A family pushed to the edge by medical expenses
Further details about Bryson’s situation paint a difficult picture of a family that has struggled to secure treatment for their son.
Reports indicate that the teenager has battled the skin condition for approximately eight years, with previous attempts to seek medical assistance failing to provide lasting relief.
His father reportedly sold the family’s cow and leased out part of their land to raise money for treatment, but the financial sacrifices have not been enough.
Bryson also revealed that he sells bananas partly to raise money for painkillers to manage the discomfort associated with his condition.
The family’s challenges have been compounded by the reported hospitalisation of his mother, who has been receiving treatment for approximately two months.
At 17, Bryson is also facing difficulties with his education and has reportedly experienced stigma from fellow students because of his appearance.
The intervention by Eric Omondi and Geoffrey Mosiria has now raised fresh hope for Bryson and his family, with Kenyans watching closely to see how the promised medical, educational and financial support will transform their lives.
