Eleven siblings in Mosocho, Kisii County have found themselves thrust into the harsh reality of parenting each other to survive.
The family was plunged into a dire situation following the untimely death of their mother and their father’s subsequent struggle with mental health issues that rendered him unable to fulfill his parental responsibilities.
As the father’s mental health deteriorated, the burden of caring for the household fell on the eldest sibling, a 16-year-old girl who is currently in grade seven.
The children, now left to navigate the challenges of life on their own, found themselves at the mercy of a community grappling with the aftermath of this tragic fate.
Taking Responsibility of the Siblings
Coping with the loss of her mother and witnessing her father’s mental decline, the 16-year-old took on the responsibilities of both mother and father for her younger siblings aged between 2 and 16 years.
She explains the challenges they face as a family noting how it has affected her school attendance.
“It’s not easy taking care of my younger siblings, we usually interchange change roles with my little sister, for instance today it was my duty to stay back at home to take care of our two- and three-year-old siblings, tomorrow it will be my sister’s turn to miss school,” she said.
She further adds that at times, they are forced to go to school with their younger ones just to ensure they do not miss much of the learning.
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Malnutrition and Jiggers Infestation
To add into their troubles, the siblings have become victims of jiggers, a parasitic infestation that has afflicted their feet and hands.
Some of her brothers were also forced to drop out of school due to poverty and lack of birth certification documents.
“Most of the time we sleep hungry, we would like to request for any support in terms of food and a place to stay,” one of the brothers stated.
Additionally, the specter of marasmus, a severe form of malnutrition, loomed over the household and is evident from their physical status.
The 16-year-old called on well-wishers to help her take care of the younger ones so that she can fulfill her dream of going to school and pursuing her own future.
The family currently resides in Saint Peter’s Soko DOK primary School, but they fear they might be evicted in the future.
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The story of these 11 vulnerable children sheds light on the challenges faced by families in remote areas and underscores the importance of community and governmental intervention in ensuring the welfare of children left to fend for themselves.
It also highlights the profound impact of mental health issues on families.
