‘Do not tire of me’: Nurse Mary Wanjiku appeals for help amid kidney disease battle

Kenyan nurse Mary Wanjiku has made an emotional appeal for continued support as she battles chronic kidney disease and undergoes regular dialysis.

In an X post shared on Tuesday,September1,2026,Wanjiku said she was writing from a dialysis machine as she began another treatment session.

“I am typing this right from the dialysis machine as another session begins this morning,” she said.

Wanjiku acknowledged that her frequent appeals for assistance and messages to well-wishers could feel overwhelming, but said her circumstances had left her with little choice.

“I know my continuous posts might feel overwhelming, and I see how many DMs I’ve sent trying to reach out, sometimes even messaging the same kind souls over and over again,” she wrote.

She said the situation had forced her to put aside her pride and openly ask for help.

“But desperation has a way of stripping away pride. When your life is on the line, you don’t stay silent.”

Wanjiku thanked those who had supported her throughout her medical journey, saying even small contributions and social-media shares had helped her continue fighting.

Diagnosed with chronic kidney disease

Wanjiku previously shared details of her health journey, saying she was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2022, when she was 24 years old.

She said she had initially struggled to accept the diagnosis and hoped she would be able to work abroad, save money and deal with the condition later.

However, her condition worsened in November 2024, when she developed breathing difficulties and was rushed to hospital.

She said an alternative treatment was later attempted in the hope of avoiding dialysis. According to her account, the treatment cost more than Ksh500,000 but failed and also affected her heart.

By January 2025, Wanjiku said she was critically ill and eventually began dialysis.

Unable to continue working as a nurse

Wanjiku said she currently undergoes dialysis twice a week and also sees a cardiologist every month.

She explained that her health condition has made it difficult for her to continue working as a nurse because she requires regular time away for treatment.

“I can’t work — no hospital will hire a nurse who needs two days off weekly,” she previously said.

She also revealed that her medication costs more than Ksh20,000 every month, adding to the financial burden of managing her condition.

Appeal for continued support

In her latest appeal, Wanjiku urged those supporting her not to give up as she continues seeking treatment.

“Please, as we count down these final three days, I am begging you from a hospital bed: do not tire with me yet.”

She thanked people who have contributed money, sent messages and shared her appeals online, saying the support has helped her hold on through the difficult period.

“Your 50 bob, your 100 bob, your DMs, and your relentless retweets are the only reason I am still holding on,” she said.