This archive report was first published on 30 August 2019.
On Wednesday night, Kenyans came together in a remarkable display of unity and compassion, raising a staggering Sh2.5 million in just one hour for 13-year-old cancer warrior Bianca Wambui.
Wambui's story, shared on Citizen TV's JKL show, touched the hearts of many. Diagnosed with breast cancer, she had undergone a mastectomy but was unable to receive chemotherapy due to lack of funds.
Appearing on the show alongside two other cancer patients, Wambui spoke candidly about her struggles, saying, “Nakaa nyumbani tu…ningependa kupona na nirudi shuleni…Niliacha kwenda shule…siwezi kwenda nikiwa hivi; wengine wanasema niko na titi moja na hawawezi cheza na mimi,” and “Naskia vibaya kwa sababu watoto shuleni wanasema nikiwakaribia nitawapea cancer…”
Her family had initially managed to raise Sh12,000 through Mpesa Paybill number 918675, but the outpouring of support from Kenyans saw the figure skyrocket to over Sh2 million in just 20 minutes, and eventually reaching Sh2.5 million in one hour.
Twitter users were quick to express their support, with @MbukuMichael tweeting, “I can’t watch Bianca cry.. Too young sister to understand stigma.. Indeed cancer is a great challenge in present society.. Govt need to put in place measure to diagnosed early cancer Let help this young sister please,” and @ItsBravin noting, “Kenyans really can work wonders. We have so far managed to raise ksh 2.5m for Bianca Wanjiru to undergo cancer treatment up from Ksh. 12,000 Which was in her Paybill when she came to #JKLive. Humanity is still alive in Kenyans for sure.”
