Nairobi, September 29- The story of Kaluma Boy 17-year-old Vincent Kalima from Othaya, Nyeri has captured national attention after Kenyans united to support his struggle caring for his ailing father.
Kalima rose to prominence on TikTok by sharing raw videos of his daily life, including long hours working on tea farms to pay for his father’s treatment following a severe stroke in August 2024. His honesty and sacrifice moved thousands of Kenyans online, sparking a wave of sympathy and calls for action.
That momentum culminated on September 28, 2025, when thousands traveled to Othaya for a mass fundraiser. Supporters arrived with donations, food supplies, and financial aid to cover physiotherapy and ongoing medical bills. The event flooded the small town and drew nationwide media coverage, with emotional scenes as strangers embraced the teenager and praised his devotion.
The movement has since been hailed as a symbol of youth-driven solidarity in Kenya. Leaders including former CS Moses Kuria and Senator Okiya Omtatah commended the unity, while also criticizing government institutions for failing families in similar situations.
From a struggling caregiver to the face of a national movement, Kaluma Boy’s story has become a powerful reminder of how digital platforms can turn compassion into real-world change.
