Kenyans rally behind man accused of attempting to smuggle daughter out of KNH

Kenyans on social media may just be the meanest bunch in the continent; but, sometimes – when something touches them – they also show their humane side. And when they do, they do it in large numbers.

Citizen Digital on Monday broke the story about how a 22-year-old man was arraigned at Milimani Law Courts and charged with attempting to smuggle his own daughter out of the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

When that man – Bonface Murage Wangechi – took to the stand, he did not deny the charge; he stood up and said he committed the act because he could not afford the bill of Ksh.56, 937 that his daughter had incurred at the hospital during her one month stay there.

And so he took the baby girl, placed her in a carrier bag and attempted to walk out of the hospital before he was busted by the security guards.

The story struck deep within the hearts of Kenyans online that, for once in a very long time, they all took the same stand.

As at the time of publishing this article, that story had garnered over 3,000 likes, 2,700 comments and 370 shares on Facebook alone.

A quick skim through the thousands of comments revealed just one thing; Kenyans were willing to pay the said hospital bill and have the man released.

Matter of factly, most of them – like Diane Onditi – defended the man saying they would have done the same thing if they were in his shoes.

John Daffie, taking to the comment section, wrote: “Who has a way of reaching him? Tutalipa ata fine ya kortini (We will even pay the court fees.)

Cian Wuod Mwalimu, on his part, said: “Anybody with his contact please drop it for me. Willing to clear all the bill and give something for the baby.”

Davis Mworia: “If everyone here give out Ksh.1 this man will sleep happy with his daughter tonight.”

Pharis WA Macharia: “Can we pay his bills and let him free, he is a hero. That’s a Dad’s love, I would do same for my kids anytime anywhere. Free that father.”

Anne Mwicigi: “The government should be enjoined in that case, it’s the duty of the government to ensure citizens have access to health care.”

Omoke Dennis: “Am offering a lawyer for him and 10K for the outstanding balance at the hospital. Someone connect us to this man. Kenyans for Kenyan.”

Charles Oyago: “These are the times we need Paybill number. You can’t put the man in police cell and his daughter detained in hospital and still call yourself a gov’t, who are you leading?”

Valentine Onchari: “I wish he succeeded, the smile on his face staring at his daughter and happiness inside would be breathtaking. Release him, I would unapologetically do the same if I was in the same situation.”

Waruoya Paul: “That’s great Dad…..I wish there was a transparent way where we would convert our comments into a paybill number!!!100bob each would sort out this guy!”

Tonny Otheo Jakamanga: “Am willing to pay the Ksh.56, 937. Lets join hands: Pay bill number is 626073 and account number is the patient name: MURAGE VIVIAN WANGECHI.”

Sad state of affairs, it’s said that you are one hospital visit away from bankruptcy. Our health sector is in shambles and we can’t take care of our own. Nothing breaks a fathers heart than the feeling of helplessness. I can’t imagine what the man feels. It’s replicated daily

— Fred (@FredFnaum) February 18, 2019

This is the saddest story… Why arrest an individual who is not able to clear Health bill.Where do the arresting Officers expect him to get the money,when the Government is busy making Kenyans poor and poor.

— kenneth oborah (@amukah) February 18, 2019

This man needs help and a decent job, it’s obvious he loves his daughter.

— Fred (@FredFnaum) February 18, 2019

The look in his eyes, The love of a daughter. My heart is sobbing. As a country, we are in deep trouble.

— Denis Munene (@itsmunenedenis) February 18, 2019