Narok County - A small grave now lies freshly dug under the weight of grief and rain in the quiet village of Kapweria–Chepnyaliliet in Transmara East.

It belongs to Sylvia Chepkemoi, a little girl whose body failed her, but whose spirit touched hearts beyond the dusty roads of her remote village.

Edwin Kiprotich told that the young girl was born with a physical disability and suspected leukaemia, which affected her spinal cord, so he couldn't make her walk.

In a sad twist of fate, Sylvia died on Thursday, July 3, the very day they were supposed to be given a wheelchair. She was aged 14.

Her world was defined not by mobility or freedom, but by the strong, weathered arms of her father, Shadrack Parusei.

"As a single dad raising three daughters after their mother walked out, Shadrack became Sylvia’s everything: her wheelchair, her comfort, her voice, and her courage," Kiprotich said.

Despite his poverty, he never gave up on finding help. He took her to hospitals like Tenwek Mission, hoping for answers, relief, or just a little more time. But help remained out of reach.

Too poor to afford the mortuary, her tiny body was kept at home as the family tried to reach her estranged mother.

After long conversations and emotional deliberations, her mother gave her blessing for the burial.

Saturday came with clouds and light rain as if the skies themselves mourned her. Apart from the mourners having to wade through mud, the rain left her grave flooded.

Sylvia was laid to rest in a simple wooden box. The tent was patched with worn-out polythene sheets. Despite the modest funeral, love filled the air—raw, painful, but present.

Images from the burial made their way online, where Kenyans expressed heartbreak and outrage over the scenes of deep poverty.

Today, Shadrack is left with two young daughters, a broken heart, and no steady job. His only wish is to own a heifer to provide milk for the girls.

"He would also like a motorbike to earn a stable income. Just two things. Modest dreams from a man who gave everything to his daughter," Kiprotich added.

Taking to his Facebook page, philanthropist Alfred Koech narrated the family's struggles, breaking the hearts of many on social media.

He revealed that Parusei's wife had walked out on him, and the family was thus battling abject poverty and untold struggles

The story broke the hearts of many on social media, who called on local political leaders to help the family.

Here are some of the comments:

Chepngetich Kilisho said:

"She is an angel in heaven, while those living a wealthy life will be asking her for a drop of water to quench their thirst. RIP, baby girl."

Peter Wafula said:

"Such stories make me hate the political tribe of Kenya and their allies. I, too, hate these selfish, jealous, and envious wealthy men in our villages."

Susan Wanjiru

"It's okay, even Jesus wasn't buried with a casket, he was just decently wrapped and placed in a tomb... It's not so necessary to be laid in an expensive casket, ndio ikubalike umekufa...either way death is death...as long as hujarushwa kwa shimo ivoo."

As per 's earlier story, Sylvia is gone, but her story is not. In her struggle and her silence, she’s given us a call to kindness.

And in her father’s arms, we are reminded that love, even without riches, runs deeper than any grave.

To support this family, contact Treasurer Peter Langat at 0724637859. Area Chief: Nicholas Mutai of Oloolmaasani Location or Assistant Chief Langat of Abosi Sub-location.

Source: TUKO.co.ke