The fate of a physically challenged college student in Thika, Kiambu County now hangs in the balance after her rental house was closed over rent arrears.
Christine Kavale, 24, who suffers from cerebral palsy since infancy, has been spending cold nights in the prevailing rainy weather after her bed-sitter in Makongeni Phase 6 estate was locked by the landlord for unpaid rent amounting to over Ksh18,000.
The student, who became an internet sensation last month, has over the years learned to use her mouth to write.
Christine is pursuing a course in human resources management at the Thika Technical Training Institute (TTI). She narrated her frustrations and despair to journalists as she appealed to well-wishers to support her.
She says matters got worse when she stopped hawking boiled eggs which she used to make money to pay her bills and feed herself. This was after she developed anxiety disorder last year and for which condition she has been on medication daily.
Ms Kavale is sending out an appeal for financial support to help clear her rent arrears and to buy drugs as she hopes to complete her course next year.
Christine, who has no one to turn to for help, expressed fear that she may be forced to discontinue her studies and go back to her rural home in Kitui County.
“My parents are not in a position to help me as they do not have a regular source of income. I came to Thika to further my education, but now things have become too hard for me,” Christine said.
She is also grateful to Kitui West MP Edith Nyenze who pays her school fees but is in need of money for upkeep.
A neighbour and friend Veronica Thuo who has been helping Christine with household chores like cooking, washing clothes and moving around in her wheelchair says she is a determined person despite her condition.
“Her condition has not discouraged her from chasing her dreams. She needs support from the government to overcome the challenges she is facing,” Veronica said.
Due to her condition, Christine has been using her mouth to write and operate her phone and laptop which has since crashed.
The young woman who is the last born among nine siblings has adopted digital technology to make learning easier using her phone.
She can be reached on her mobile phone number 0716 082611.
