Mentally drained: Celebrity barber Kitiki Sam opens up on tough cancer fight

Celebrity barber Samuel Kilonzo, popularly known as Kitiki Sam, has opened up about his ongoing cancer battle, revealing that the illness has taken a heavy emotional toll and pushed him to a breaking point.

In a deeply personal message shared with fans on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the once-energetic barber said the combination of sickness, exhaustion and uncertainty has left him feeling overwhelmed, both mentally and physically.

“Some days, the pain is louder than my voice. Battling GIST cancer has taken more from me than I ever imagined, just my health, but my peace of mind, my strength, and my financial stability. The constant hospital visits, medication, and uncertainty weigh heavily on me, and there are moments when the mental exhaustion feels just as painful as the physical illness,” he wrote.

Kitiki Sam, who rose to fame through his barbershop work in Mombasa, revealed that the illness has completely disrupted his life. He has since been forced to stop working, a decision he says was not by choice but by necessity as his body struggles to keep up.

The barber had earlier disclosed that he is battling stage three stomach cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy, a treatment that has taken a visible toll on his body. He has lost significant weight and says the process has left him constantly fatigued.

As his health declined, Sam relocated to Nairobi, where he now lives with his sister while continuing treatment.

Cancer diagnosis

Sam first revealed the news of his ailment on March 20, 2025, disclosing that he had been admitted to St Scholastica Ulinzi Hospital after his condition significantly deteriorated.

He announced that he had been diagnosed with stage three stomach cancer and was due for an urgent surgery that required Ksh145,000, prompting him to appeal to the public and his loyal clientele for assistance.

At the time, he directed a heartfelt plea to his clients, including Kenyan artiste Masauti, whom he referred to as one of his favourites, asking for any form of support, describing himself as being at his lowest and noting that even the smallest gesture would mean the world to him.

“To my esteemed clients and friends, I have been admitted at St Scholastica Ulinzi since Monday and am due for surgery tomorrow. I need your help to raise 145K for the surgery. Kindly help,” he wrote, baring his vulnerability with honesty and courage.

In the accompanying video, Sam appeared visibly frail, having lost considerable weight, a stark contrast from his once robust and towering figure, prompting a flood of warm wishes and prayers from concerned fans and followers across platforms.

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