Kericho — In a powerful show of community solidarity and compassion, local leaders and a popular blogger have stepped in to support ailing Collins Kipngetich.

The 24-year-old from Kipchimchim in Ainamoi Constituency has been battling a debilitating urethral condition for years.

Social media influencer Kelvin Kipchirchir Ufa told that Collins has endured a heartbreaking medical journey, undergoing 19 surgeries—all unsuccessful.

The Perioperative Theatre Technology student at Imperial College of Medical Sciences is now reliant on a suprapubic catheter to pass urine.

His only hope lies in a life-changing urethral reconstruction surgery scheduled at BLK Hospital in India.

The total cost of the operation stands at KSh 2.5 million, far beyond what his financially drained family can afford.

Moved by his plight, blogger Sec Regen visited Collins at his home and launched an online fundraiser, which raised over KSh 240,000 within days.

The initiative breathed new hope into a journey that had seemed endless for the young man and his family, who had already sold all they owned, including their land, in a desperate bid to fund his treatment.

Adding another emotional layer to the campaign, a team led by Beryl Chiryl organised for him to attend a public event at Kiprugut Chumo Stadium, some 15 kilometres from his home.

Collins was invited to the stage, where he humbly addressed the audience and made a heartfelt plea for assistance.

The moment captured the attention of Kericho Governor Erick Mutai and Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, who stood up in support of Collins.

They urged the crowd to contribute whatever they could, assuring them that any shortfall would be covered between them.

Despite a recent fundraiser that collected KSh 500,000, Collins is still well short of the KSh 2.5 million needed for the surgery in India.

The ailing man remains hopeful that more Kenyans and leaders will step forward to help him reach the goal.

“Nataka viongozi wote wa Kericho waungane wasupport Collins aende India. Let’s support someone while he is still alive,” pleaded Kelvin Kipchirchir Ufa during a televised appeal.

Collins lamented that his journey has not only been physically agonising but also emotionally draining.

“I thought my surgery last April would be the end of my suffering, but it failed. I now live with a catheter and rely on goodwill. But I still believe in brighter days ahead,” he shared.

In an earlier story by , Collins shared that he was entirely dependent on the goodwill of Kenyans and well-wishers.

He has received quotes ranging from KSh 600,000 to KSh 1 million, but experts have advised that the most comprehensive and permanent solution lies in the surgery in India.

For anyone willing to support Collins Kipngetich, contributions can be channelled through the ongoing online fundraiser or via direct mobile money transfer.

Source: TUKO.co.ke