Advertisement
Simon Kabu opens up on humble upbringing while gifting ‘Kwa Mbae’ boy Mombasa getaway
23rd April, 2026 02:19 PM
Businessman Simon Kabu has opened up about his difficult childhood, drawing parallels with the struggles faced by viral sensation Musa Kihara, popularly known as the “Kwa Mbae boy.”
Speaking during an interview with Obidan Dela on Thursday, April 23, 2026, where he unveiled plans to treat the young boy to a fully paid trip to Mombasa, Kabu revealed that he experienced significant hardship while growing up.
He recounted how, during his primary school years, he often carried githeri for lunch, which would be packed early and turn cold by the time he ate it at school.
“Me as well. I had a tough childhood, and I remember that I used to carry githeri as my lunch when I was in primary school. We used to put that githeri in a certain dish, and when you go to eat it at lunchtime, it was cold,” he said.
Kabu’s remarks came as he joined efforts to uplift Musa, whose story has captured national attention following his viral moment online.
Musa Kihara, a four-year-old boy from Ituntu village in Tharaka Nithi County, rose to fame in April 2026 after a video showed him confidently giving directions to a lost boda boda rider.
His composed tone and repeated reference to “Kwa Mbae” quickly turned into a widely shared TikTok trend, earning him recognition across the country.
Families’ challenges
However, behind the viral fame lies a family facing significant challenges, as during visits by TikTokers and well-wishers to Musa’s home, it emerged that the family was dealing with a serious medical crisis involving his nine-year-old brother, Lewis Baraka, who has been battling throat cancer since early 2025.
Musa’s father has been staying in hospital with the ailing child for extended periods, while the mother has been left to manage the home under difficult circumstances.
The situation has since drawn widespread public attention, prompting an outpouring of support from Kenyans and public figures.
Lewis was transferred to Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital for specialised treatment following public intervention, with contributions coming from various quarters.
Among those who stepped in were former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who made a financial contribution towards the medical bill and Musa’s personal needs, and Pastor Victor Kanyari, who also offered support to the family.
Former Nairobi Governor Ann Kananu provided essential household supplies, while Obidan Dela mobilised online fundraising efforts that raised hundreds of thousands of shillings within a short period.
In addition to financial assistance, Musa and his siblings have received educational support, including school uniforms and basic necessities, while the young boy has also met several public figures since his rise to fame.
Meanwhile, efforts to support the family continue, with a major fundraising event scheduled for April 26, 2026, aimed at raising additional funds to cater for Lewis’s ongoing medical treatment.
Author
Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
View all posts by Steve Ireri
