In a remarkable display of love, sacrifice, and resilience, 23-year-old Joel Komba has captured the hearts of many after riding his bicycle from Nairobi to his rural home in Chekalini, Lugari Sub-County, to care for his ailing father.
Komba’s father, who was diagnosed with throat cancer in October 2024, has been battling the illness with frequent hospital visits to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret and Webuye Hospital. The family, however, is grappling with the high cost of treatment and medicine.
“Sometimes you have to make a choice that suits your priorities, especially financially,” Joel said in an emotional conversation. “It’s not practical to spend over 2,000 shillings on fare when that money could be used to buy dad’s pain medicine or take him to hospital. That’s why I ride.”
This is the second time Joel has cycled the nearly 400-kilometre journey from Mukuru Kwa Njenga in Nairobi to Lugari, a trip that takes him two days. His latest journey was particularly difficult — his bicycle broke down, and he had to brave torrential rains from Eldoret to Lugari.
Back home, his mother is unable to work as she is the full-time caregiver for his father. Joel, who works as a casual labourer in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, lifting and loading heavy chemical barrels, says he’s doing everything he can to ease his father’s suffering.
“I just want my dad to get better. That’s all,” he added.
Joel is appealing for support from well-wishers to help him raise funds for his father's treatment. Contributions can be made through his account, which he has shared for anyone willing to assist in getting his father the care he urgently needs.
His story stands as a powerful reminder of the lengths to which love and duty can drive us — and of the silent struggles many families endure while caring for the sick.
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