“For 7 years”: Kenyan man living on US streets makes emotional plea for help
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Nicodemus Imus Lochok from Turkana County shared a video on Facebook appealing for help after spending seven years homeless in Nashville, Tennessee
- Lochok said he has been living on the streets of Nashville and is desperately seeking assistance to travel back to Kenya
- Fellow Kenyans online responded to his appeal, with some expressing willingness to help and others reflecting on the harsh realities of life abroad
A Kenyan man stranded on the streets of Nashville, Tennessee, has made an emotional plea to fellow Kenyans and well-wishers to help him return home.
In a video shared on social media, the man, identified as Nicodemus Imus Lochok, said he was ready to return to his family in Turkana County after seven years of homelessness in the United States.
Nicodemus made the appeal and identified himself by name, his county of origin and his family name, clearly hoping someone who knows him or his relatives would see it and step in.
"My name is Nicodemus Imus Lochok, I am from Northern Kenya, Turkana County," he said in the footage, adding that his family name is Imus.
How long has Nicodemus Imus been in the US?
The person interviewing Lochok in the video urged anyone who recognises him to help facilitate his journey back to Kenya. Lochok's own words painted a stark picture of his circumstances.
"I have been in Nashville for seven years. I'm homeless and looking for help," he said.
He expressed a clear desire to reconnect with his family, from whom he has been separated throughout his years on the streets of the American city.
Beyond the appeal itself, few details about how he ended up in his current situation were shared in the video.
Kenyans respond to his plea
The video drew a wave of reactions from Kenyans who came across the appeal online. Some expressed sympathy and a willingness to assist, while others used the moment to reflect more broadly on the struggles many Kenyans face when they relocate abroad.
Dee Mkenya wrote:
"I would love to help with something. How can I reach out?"
Beatrice Muriuki simply said:
"Ohh God remember the boy child."
Barbara M Barbbi offered a sober observation:
"America can be tough. One simple mistake you are homeless, or on drugs and unrecognisable. Mungu awape maarifa akiwafungulia njia."
Catherine Wanjiku noted the contrast between those desperate to leave Kenya and those longing to return:
"Saa sii tunatamani kuenda na yeye anataka kurudi."
Lila Lakhana Curtis took the opportunity to caution others considering relocation:
Anytime you relocate, please avoid Black Tax for at least 2 years or else utateseka sending money home then, when things don't work out, they'll say 'hukujipanga'."
Anyone with information about Nicodemus Imus Lochok or his family in Turkana County, or those willing to assist with his return, is encouraged to reach out through the Facebook post in which his appeal was shared.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.