This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
August 29, 2019, marked a concerning turn of events for Githeri Man, a Kenyan celebrity who rose to fame after a photo of him carrying githeri in a transparent polythene bag during the 2017 General Elections went viral.
According to Sgt Moses Kimenchu, a drug and addiction counsellor, Githeri Man has relapsed into stage five of addiction – the habitual stage. Sgt Kimenchu visited Mr Kamotho at his rental home in Kayole, Nairobi, and assessed his situation.
The counsellor expressed concern that Githeri Man requires urgent medical attention, mentorship, and counselling to prevent his case from getting out of hand. Sgt Kimenchu attributed the relapse to various factors, including frustration by sponsors, people's perception of him, and failure to change his environment.
Mr Kimenchu stated that Githeri Man went back to his usual living area after graduating from the rehabilitation program, without any follow-up from the rehab's management. He also noted that the man was frustrated by sponsors who failed to pay him, despite people perceiving him as a rich man.
The counsellor emphasized the need for Githeri Man's urgent relocation to a new environment, as well as mentorship and empowerment skills to tackle his addiction and frustration. Sgt Kimenchu also urged well-wishers to donate money with financial guidance, to help Githeri Man acquire skills and knowledge on how to use the resources he receives.
