This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
Dad of Two Finds Relief in Wife's Departure, Takes Care of Children with Autism ¶
July 1, 2020
Martin Daniel Kilavi, a single father of two, has found solace in his wife's decision to leave him, allowing him to focus on caring for their children with autism.
Speaking to Tuko.co.ke, Kilavi revealed that his wife's departure was a relief, giving him the opportunity to concentrate on his children's needs.
"Joshua and Sarah are autistic, schizophrenic, and also suffer mild mental retardation. We had differences with the mom just like a normal couple in marriages. She decided to walk away. You want me to say the truth? Her departure was a relief," he said.
Despite the challenges, Kilavi has vowed to take care of his children, promising that he will never abandon them and will always be there for them.
"It was a shock. It is not easy. We are all human. You get over it and you cannot stay crying. The thing is tons of prayers, walk with them, love and accept them the way they are," he added.
Kilavi has also been able to provide for his children's education, taking them to normal schools to enable them to fit in society.
"I took them to normal schools because, after school life, I do not have a special world to take them. Joshua did class eight and scored 200 marks. We even went for dinner to celebrate. He is now in Machakos Technical Training centre where they are training him how to do Japanese massage," he said.
Having gone through the phase of raising children with special needs, Kilavi has also learned how to help other parents in similar situations, partnering with Tumburi Community Centre in Sultan Hamud to support children with special needs.
