Nairobi, October 6- Thanksgiving service at JCM Church in Nairobi on Sunday, October 5, turned into a life-changing event for 17-year-old TikToker Vincent Kagwi (aka Kaluma Boy) and his family.
Bishop Ben Kiengei sent an ambulance to bring Kaluma’s stroke-stricken father, who has been unwell for over a year, to the church. Thousands of TikTokers and well-wishers gathered, and within 30 minutes, Kenyans locally and abroad raised KSh 2 million in support.
When given a chance to speak, Baba Kaluma, carried into church on a bed, tearfully addressed the crowd:
“WaKenya wote walio hapa na abroad, hamjamboo. Asante sana mimi nilishapona. Pia namshukuru sana mtoto wangu Kaluma amefanya maajabu. Hata bibi yangu ako hapa amenitunza vyema, asanteni.”
His wife and many in the congregation were visibly moved, shedding tears as he spoke.
A few days before the service, on September 28, thousands of TikTokers and supporters travelled to Kaluma’s family home in Othaya, Nyeri County, to show solidarity. They arrived in convoys of matatus and bodabodas, bringing donations and gifts. Content creators reportedly visited the home and delivered aid directly to the family.
