This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread, many Kenyans are facing unprecedented challenges in accessing healthcare services. For one man, the situation has become a matter of life and death, as he struggles to visit his ailing mother in the village.
On June 5, 2020, the man received a call from his neighbour that his mother had collapsed at home. Despite his efforts to reach her, he was unable to get an accurate assessment of her condition due to the lockdown restrictions.
Desperate for help, the man turned to his younger brother Paul, who had a history of drinking problems. However, Paul's response only added to the man's anxiety, as he requested money to travel to the village and check on their mother.
After some hesitation, the man sent Paul the money, but his phone went unanswered for hours. It was only when he received a message from Paul's phone that 'mteja hapatikani' (the person is not found) that he realized something was amiss.
Undeterred, the man sought the help of the parish priest, who had been a source of comfort and guidance in the past. The priest answered his call on the second ring and promised to help him get an accurate assessment of his mother's condition.
After a tense wait, the priest called back and delivered devastating news: the man's mother was in a critical condition and needed specialized medical care. The priest's words left the man in shock, and he knew he had to act fast to save his mother's life.
