Young Man Treks from Eldoret to Nairobi to Raise HIV Awareness, Now Stranded and Seeking Help

 A young man from Eldoret is stranded on the streets of Nairobi after trekking hundreds of kilometres in what he says was a personal campaign to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS.

The man, whose journey began in Uasin Gishu County, says his mission was to help watu wajue hali yao ya HIV na AIDS by drawing national attention through the long walk from Eldoret to Nairobi. He claims he expected a large public reception upon arrival in the capital, but says no such support materialised.

According to the young man, he has now spent several days on the streets of Nairobi. He says his legs are swollen from the journey, he has not eaten for three days, and has been unable to shower since arriving in the city.

He further alleges that Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, popularly known as Koti Moja, flagged him off at the start of the challenge and promised support. The man claims a county government ambulance was initially assigned to escort him but disappeared shortly after the journey began, allegedly failing to reach Cheptiret area in Annex.

The trekker also claims he previously composed and performed a campaign song for Governor Koti Moja but was never paid, saying he is now considering legal action over what he describes as copyright infringement.

“I was used and abandoned,” he alleged, adding that he feels betrayed after dedicating his effort to both public health awareness and political campaigning.

Calls have now emerged from members of the public and activists urging the county government to intervene and offer assistance. Some supporters have appealed for financial help to enable the young man to return home safely and receive medical attention.

“I stand with the boy child,” said one supporter, accusing political leaders of exploiting vulnerable youth and abandoning them once their usefulness ends.

Efforts to reach the Uasin Gishu County Government and Governor Koti Moja for comment were unsuccessful by the time of publication.

Meanwhile, well-wishers and civil society groups are urging relevant authorities and humanitarian organisations to step in and assist the young man as investigations into his claims continue.