A 36-year-old man living in the Kwa Chief area of Soweto, in Kayole estate, finds himself and his 8-year-old son enduring nights in the bitter cold due to their inability to pay rent. RA homeless man sitting outdoors stressed(Not Collins Ochieng’).Collins Ochieng’ shares his struggles, expressing how challenging it has been to make ends meet, often going hungry and facing homelessness due to unemployment. As a construction worker, he has faced difficulty in securing consistent work, leading to a buildup of rent arrears for five months. When did Ochieng’s challenges begin? In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, he revealed that his troubles began when he lost his job as a clearance and forwarding agent, prompting a move back to the countryside. However, after his sister’s death, leaving three children in his care along with his ailing mother, Ochieng’ returned to Nairobi, hopeful of finding employment to support his extended family, but has never been successful. “My rent is KSh 3,000 and I’ve defaulted five months so far. Landlord says I have to pay at least two months of rent for them to unlock the house for us. All our stuff, including clothes, are inside. The little I get from the hustles I do is spent on mum’s medicine and food and most times I don’t get we go hungry with my son. My wife is in the village with the other two kids and my late sister’s children too. They’re all my responsibility as I’m alone without any support system. Mum has had a condition called myocardial ischemia, and she’s been using expensive medicine, which he struggles to buy. I’m really trying as a parent to balance but I’m not mentally stable and I’ve battled it for a long time now,” he revealed. During the interview on Friday, April 5, the Homa Bay man had returned from a fruitless day at the construction site, finding his home locked and no shelter available until a friend extended help. However, they had to wait until late at night for his friend’s return, enduring hunger and cold without recourse. “Trust me I’m coming from construction sites unsuccessful and the guy we’re putting up with locked and also left, my son is hungry. If I could get means, I’d go back to the village and re-strategize because I might drop down with depression. I’ve eaten nothing since last night,” said the casual worker.What does Collins Ochieng’ want? Ochieng’ faces additional challenges as he battles asthma aggravated by the harsh working conditions. As the sole provider for his large family, he fears for the well-being of his son, particularly during their nights spent outdoors. Desperate for any job opportunity to support his family and ailing mother, Ochieng’ expresses readiness to take on any work available. Alternatively, he hopes for the kindness of a good Samaritan who could assist him in returning to his rural home to restrategize while he waits for better prospects to emerge. “I’ve been doing mjengo but my asthmatic situation can’t give me a reprieve. I need urgent help, either for a job (I’m not picky) or means I can get transport back to the village to take my son because, with this cold and the rain (and regular hunger), I fear for his health too. My wife is taking care of my sickly mother in the village,” he said. He is skilled at window installation and can drive. To help him, you can reach him at 0701026030.
by Nancy Odindo