Celebrated Kenyan filmmaker Abel Mutua has opened up about one of the darkest chapters of his life, revealing that his production company, Phil-It Productions, once found itself buried under a KSh 5 million debt.
With his back against the wall, Abel made a decision that many would find difficult: he picked up the phone and called people he had not spoken to since his days at Lenana School, some of whom he had not been in contact with for over 13 years.
Did Abel Mutua’s friends loan him money?
One of those old classmates answered, and what followed left Abel speechless.
He recalled the conversation, saying the friend told him:
“Abeli, I don’t want to believe that you called me after 13 years to con me. I’ll get you some of the money that you need, if you don’t pay me, know you have lost someone who would come through for you everytime.”
Without further questions, the former schoolmate transferred KSh 1 million to Abel.
What made the gesture even more remarkable was that at the time, Abel admitted he could not even clearly picture the man’s face.
The experience reshaped how Abel views relationships entirely. Rather than those closest to him coming through, it was a near-stranger from his past who crossed the line for him without hesitation. ”
It’s never the ones that are close to you. It’s good to have a good circle, but sometimes the people who will cross oceans for you are people you don’t even talk to,” Abel said, reflecting on the ordeal.
He also turned the moment inward, wrestling with an honest question about his own character.
“I ask myself if I were him, would I have done what he did? I don’t think so,” he admitted.
The story has resonated widely among Kenyans, touching on themes of loyalty, humility and the unexpected places where genuine support can come from during life’s lowest moments.
Watch the video below:
