By Professor Peter Ndiang’ui, Fort Myers, Florida

I did not know Walter Kabitta — not until last evening, when a friend urged me to read the story of his daughter, little Fyona. I called him immediately, and nothing could have prepared me for what I heard. What I first assumed to be another difficult family struggle quickly unfolded into a tragedy so profound, so suffocating, that it defies comprehension. What I encountered was not merely a story — it was a plea. A father’s plea. A nation’s challenge. A mirror held up to our conscience.

As I listened to Walter and pieced together his family’s ordeal, the truth struck with crushing clarity: Walter is fighting with minimal support from just a few well-wishers, family, and friends. He is almost entirely alone, standing with barely any support in the eye of a storm no human being should ever face. His daughter is gravely ill, battling a condition that requires urgent, specialized treatment in India. Medical bills are rising like an unforgiving tide. The whole treatment requires a bare minimum of about KSh 6.5 million. Fear, grief, and exhaustion shadow his every moment.

He spoke to me from a hospital room in India — machines beeping in the background as his daughter battled yet another distressing attack. The weight of his voice alone told a story that words can barely carry. He is unable to meet the expenses of dialysis and other critical medical care. He is being kicked out of the rented house he lives in. He is confused, wondering if he should go home without completing the treatment. If they return home, SHA will not be able to help due to all kinds of complications. That is unacceptable. We cannot wait anymore. We must act now before it is too late. Failure to do so would be rendering a death sentence on Fyona. God forbid.

And then there is the earlier tragedy, the one that tore his world apart in 2019. When Fyona’s condition worsened, her mother — already stretched thin by worry — received the devastating news. Overwhelmed by anguish, she suffered a heart attack and died. In an instant, Walter lost his wife even as he fought to save his child. Since that day, he has carried a grief that most of us cannot even imagine, while still trying to be strong for his other children back home in Kenya.

This is not a story to scroll past. This is not a moment for silence. This is a national moral test. I am calling upon every Kenyan of goodwill — citizens, clergy, leaders, and the diaspora — to rise in solidarity with this family. I call upon the churches — hear the cry of Walter Kabitta.

I am not here to dictate how anyone should use their resources. However, I will say this with conviction: if we can generously support large religious or public events, we can certainly extend the same compassion — and more — to a father fighting to save his child. Our humanity requires that our empathy be even greater where life hangs in the balance. Let those blessed with abundance step forward for a family in desperate need.

Scripture commands us:

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
“Whoever sees his brother in need and shuts up his heart, how does the love of God abide in him?” — 1 John 3:17

Today, that “brother in need” is not an abstraction. He has a name: Walter Kabitta. His daughter has a name: Fyona. Their suffering demands more than words — it demands action.

A Kenyan recently wrote: “This is not a story you read and move on. This is a father crying from the edge of despair, praying someone, somewhere, will hear him.”

Kenyans — both at home and in the diaspora — this is our moment. Our duty. Our chance to live the Gospel we preach and the values we claim. The Good Samaritan did not wait for instructions, approvals, or applause. He crossed the road toward suffering — because compassion without action is empty. It is our moment to show our Good Samaritan-ness.

And to our national leaders — yes, this message is for you. This is your opportunity to lead with moral authority, not political spectacle. Step forward. Set the example. Show this nation that leadership is not measured in motorcades, titles, or speeches, but in courage, mercy, and conscience.

As Jamhuri Day approaches, let us reject hollow celebrations. Let our independence be marked not by noise, but by the rescue of a child whose life hangs in the balance. Let our patriotism be measured not in flags waved — but in a life saved.

“Let us give our flowers while those we love can still smell them. Let us show love when it can still save a life — not when we are standing over a grave wishing we had done more.”

Stand with Walter. Stand with Fyona. Stand for what is right.

For those willing to help, contributions can be directed to:
Walter Kabitta — 0716 727 012