Rombo family receives overwhelming support following viral video of shivering children

For Mzee Ole Kipior and his family in Rombo, Kajiado County, what began as an ordinary day soon became extraordinary after a heart-wrenching video went viral. The footage, showing two children shivering in the cold rain while sharing a plate of rice, captured the attention of thousands across the country. The video sparked an outpouring of compassion from netizens, many of whom were eager to help the struggling family.

Kajiado TV reporter Kelvin Kang’ethe was one of the first to step up. Despite facing language barriers during the interview, Kang’ethe was determined to share the family's story.

 “I was just doing my job, nothing more,” he said in an interview with TNX. “I’m glad it made a difference. Citizen journalism has real power.” His coverage of the story helped spread awareness of the family's dire situation, leading to an outpouring of support.

The video’s emotional impact was immediate, with many well-wishers, among them former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, businesswoman Mamake Boaz, and Samaritan cop Sammy Ondimu and many more Kenyans, coming together to offer help. Their collective efforts culminated in a visit to the Kipior family’s modest home, where a wave of joy followed as donations flooded in.

Mamake Boaz shared her experience on Facebook: ““After sharing the touching video of the Kajiado kids wakinyeshewa na food mkononi, wakenya responded very fast and we were able to plan the visit in two days, so yesterday on Sunday the love of God in our hearts for one another as Kenyans moved us to Rombo Matepes village in Kajiado county, waah!  Ilikuwa mbali sana, but with love we fainted not, na tulifika and we cried tears of joy and love when we saw the kids and the entire community”

“To God Almighty, we return to say thank you for enabling us to be a blessing, wakenya wote asanteni sana kwa kujitolea kwenu, every gift you gave went a long way in making the mission a success. Rombo Matepes Village community thank you for receiving us, the support from the police, chief, village elders, Kajiado TV Asanteni Na watu wengi huko walijitolea Sana. Na Team Yote tulienda Pamoja Najua mlichoka sana but your sacrifice was great.  Nyinyi ni watu Wa Maana Sana.  Mungu awabariki I love you my people,” a thankful Mamake Boaz intimated to her online community who made the mission a success.

The visit was not just about immediate aid; Mamake Boaz also raised an important point about long-term support.

“After accessing the situation in that area, indeed there's a need of a permanent solution like building a more decent home for the kids and we know as we plan to do that tutashikana pamoja kama Wakenya Na wadhamini wote to become a great blessing to those kids. Najua Mungu atatusaidia,” she appealed.

Former Governor Mike Sonko, also shared his thoughts on social media:

“Yesterday, God came through for the children from Rombo, past Loitoktok, Kajiado south near the TZ border, who were posted shaking and shivering in the rain. The video and pictures were very disturbing. Together with kina Sandy and Mamake Boaz Gutu Teams, we joined hands and made sure at least the kids were sorted with blankets, duvets, gumboots, pampers, sanitary pads, geometrical sets, biscuits stock, sweets, and foodstufs. However, after our teams accessed the situation in the area, there's a need for our team to go back there and look for a permanent solution yakusaidia, like doing a decent house for all the children,” the former Governor posted on his socials.