By Hyline Ocharo
For Evans Mairura of Bomonyama Village in Bogetenga Ward, Kisii, joy arrived in threes, then quickly turned into panic.
When he received news that his wife had safely delivered triplets (named Joan, Joshua and Jovin) at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), Mairura was initially happy and relieved that the long wait was over, but as the hours passed, reality settled in heavily.
Just two years ago, Mairura and his wife welcomed twins, and the latest arrival of three others pushed the number to five.
“I thanked God, but soon I started asking myself how we will manage,” Mairura said, his voice steady but tired.
Mairura survives on odd jobs on farms and at construction sites when work is available.
Some days he earns a few hundred shillings; other days, nothing at all.
The growing hospital bill, he says, is far beyond anything he can raise.
“My wife remains admitted at the referral hospital as doctors continue monitoring her and the babies,” he said, adding that each passing day adds to the cost and, with it, the fear that he may not be able to bring his family home.
“I want to be with my children, but without help, I don’t know how long they will stay in hospital,” Mairura said.
Neighbours describe Mairura as hardworking and soft-spoken, and since word spread, a few villagers have offered food and encouragement, but it is not enough to ease the burden of medical expenses.
The father of five has made a public appeal to the Kisii County Government to consider waiving the hospital bill, and to well-wishers of goodwill to support the family during what he described as the most difficult season of his life.
As he spoke, the laughter of his two-year-old twins drifted from the house behind him, a reminder of both the blessing and responsibility that rest on his shoulders.
“I believe that with support, the nightmare can still turn back into the blessing that I prayed for,” he said.