Akuku Danger calls on govt to subsidise drugs for sickle cell patients
By Katemarthason Okudo, June 19, 2026Kenyan comedian and entertainer Mannerson Oduor Ochieng, widely known as Akuku Danger, has used World Sickle Cell Day to raise awareness about the condition while calling on the government to help reduce the cost of medication for patients living with the disease.
Taking to his Instagram page on Friday, June 19, 2026, Akuku shared a personal message reflecting on his journey with sickle cell, a condition he says he has lived with since birth.
Celebrating life and resilience
Akuku noted that World Sickle Cell Day holds a special meaning for him, as it serves both as a moment of reflection and a reminder of strength for those living with the condition.
He revealed that he recently turned 36 years old, describing it as another milestone in his journey of living and thriving despite the challenges associated with sickle cell.
“June 19th is a very special day for me because it’s World Sickle Cell Day. I was born a warrior, and I’ve been living with this since I was born. I’m 36 years of age, just turned 36 like one week ago, yeah, and I’m so happy to celebrate life, I’m so happy to celebrate health,” he said.
He encouraged other patients to remain strong, reminding them that living with sickle cell requires daily courage and determination. “So this is just a day to remind you, each warrior who is watching this, that you are stronger than you think, you are a warrior for a reason, keep fighting,” he stated.
Challenges faced by sickle cell patients
Akuku also highlighted some of the challenges faced by people living with sickle cell, including stigma, lack of proper medication, and poor access to nutrition and care.
He noted that despite these difficulties, many patients continue to push through life with strength and resilience. “I know so many things surrounding sickle cell. We have stigma, we have a lack of medication, a lack of a good dietary plan, but you’re still a warrior; we keep soldiering on,” he noted.
Call for government support
The content creator used the opportunity to appeal to the government to consider subsidising essential drugs used by sickle cell patients, saying the cost remains a major burden for many families.
He mentioned medications such as BNF, hydroxyurea, and folic acid, which are commonly used in managing the condition. “And this day, we actually ask the government to help us in subsidizing the cost of the drugs for sickle cell patients, because these are drugs that we use every day, such as BNP, hydroxyurea, and folic acid,” he stated.
Encouraging support and awareness
Akuku further urged the public to show support to people living with sickle cell, not only through awareness but also through small acts of kindness. He encouraged people to remember friends, classmates, or family members who are warriors and to support them in meaningful ways.
“You who are watching me today, this is a day that you can celebrate with every warrior that you find out there. You can actually buy them medication, this is a day for you to buy them fruits just to remind them how strong they are,” he emphasised.
He concluded his message by reaffirming his identity and strength, saying he remains committed to raising awareness and supporting fellow patients living with sickle cell. “I was born a warrior, raised a warrior, always a warrior,” he concluded.