Nearly a decade after a viral humanitarian case turned his life upside down, Ndungu Nyoro is finally taking a well-earned break through a vacation offer.
A tour and travel company has offered Nyoro an all-expenses-paid holiday, sending him what they described as “hugs and prayers” for what many are now acknowledging as years of silent suffering behind the scenes.
The offer comes on the heels of a powerful and emotional statement posted by Nyoro, recounting in exhaustive detail the 2016 fundraising campaign for a woman known to many Kenyans as Mama wa Mitungi, Gladys Kamande.
What began as a story of hope and collective generosity spiraled into public controversy, media scrutiny, and personal betrayal.
A Story That Gripped a Nation
Kamande’s story captivated the nation. Her frail frame, oxygen tanks, and the viral image of a tearful street boy offering her his only coins prompted Kenyans to intervene and help.
Nyoro, already known for his activism and social impact work, led the charge, raising over Ksh 8 million in just over a week.
But behind the scenes, questions began to swirl. Suspicious inconsistencies, a ‘doctor’ later revealed to be a fraud, and growing demands from the beneficiary led Nyoro to take a hard stance on accountability.
“I was in severe pain… a mental patient,” Nyoro confessed. “My name was in every blog. I couldn’t stand the mocking.”
What was supposed to be an act of compassion turned into a test of character.
From heated radio interviews to moments of personal despair, including being confronted by his own father after an awkward moment in a public matatu, Nyoro stood by his principles.
He refused to release funds without verified medical documentation, leading to backlash, betrayal, and eventual withdrawal from medical appeals entirely.
When Doing Good Goes Wrong
Nyoro says he suffered deeply. His mental health deteriorated, and his relationship with supporters became strained. Even within his family, doubts began to creep in.
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“I remember asking God many questions,” he wrote. “I reminded Him how I used to get home at 1am just to make sure the patient had been facilitated for treatment.”
It was a call from government communications specialist Dennis Itumbi at 1 a.m., one of the few who reached out in support, that finally brought Nyoro a moment of peace.
“He tried to assure me all would be well. That call made me fall asleep.”
From Accusation to Vindication
Over time, the truth began to emerge. The family had attempted to funnel the funds through a discredited, unlicensed ‘doctor.’
Medical reports later revealed that exaggerated or inaccurate information had been used in appeals.
Still, Nyoro’s decision to ensure transparency and redirect funds to genuinely needy cases, including discharging over a dozen mothers and children from Kenyatta National Hospital, restored some public trust.
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Even so, the damage was done. For years, he chose silence, allowing blogs and gossip to run unchecked.
“I have never bothered to put my side of the story,” Nyoro said. “Because I left everything to God.”
Now, nine years later, Urbann Vacations, a travel agency known for leisure and wellness experiences, has extended a gesture of appreciation.
“All-inclusive holiday is ready,” the company posted in response. “Sending hugs and prayers your way.”
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