A video of former Kenyan TV actor Onyi has sparked an outpouring of concern online, after he publicly appealed to musician and politician Jaguar for help following years of financial hardship.
Onyi rose to prominence on the beloved Kenyan comedy drama The Real Househelps of Kawangware, where his performances earned him a loyal fanbase.
His recent viral video, however, painted a far different picture of life since the cameras stopped rolling.
What was Onyi’s plea to Jaguar?
In the clip, Onyi expressed admiration for Jaguar’s recent intervention to support singer Marya, who is currently recovering from a stroke.
Moved by that act of generosity, Onyi opened up about his own struggles, revealing he has been out of work since 2022 and has been unable to get back on his feet since.
With a family and several children depending on him, he told Jaguar he was not looking for a handout but rather a job opportunity or assistance in starting a small business.
The video quickly spread across social media, drawing sympathy from fans who remembered Onyi fondly from his days on screen.
How did Mosiria respond to Onyi’s plea?
Mosiria, Nairobi County’s Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, was among those who saw the clip and felt compelled to act.
Writing on Facebook on Monday, October 19, he said the video left him deeply saddened.
”Jameni, nimeona hii video na imenihuzunisha sana,” Mosiria wrote, before going on to express worry about Onyi’s mental health and possible struggles with substance dependency.
Rather than simply pointing Onyi towards a business opportunity, Mosiria argued that a more thorough assessment of his needs was necessary first.
He offered to facilitate psychosocial support, rehabilitation services, and medical attention if required, stressing that financial assistance alone might not be enough if Onyi needed help on a deeper level.
“Onyi, you are not alone. There is still hope, and your life matters,” Mosiria wrote, appealing to anyone who knew the former actor personally to help establish contact.
Mosiria shared his personal contacts and those of his PA, urging people to reach out directly.
Netizens weigh in
Kenyans who came across the post had mixed but largely sympathetic reactions:
Kamau Wa Ngoco:
”This is what we call rock bottom, I understand what he is going through.”
Zackary:
“Life can be harsh sometimes, most times.”
Patriarch Charles:
”Will reach out to you tomorrow…Onyi lives on Katani….Machakos.”
Brandon Juma:
“Ni uchungu sana, he was a very funny guy on the show, what happened, this life.”
It remains to be seen whether Onyi has been reached and whether he will take up any of the offers of support that have come his way since the video went viral.
