Kenyan celebrity barber Samuel Kilonzo, better known as Sam Kitiki, has shared a striking throwback video of himself working out at the gym, offering fans a glimpse of the man he was before a devastating illness changed everything.
In the clip posted on Instagram, a shirtless Kitiki is filmed from behind in what appears to be a gym setting.
Sam Kitiki’s muscular video
His muscular back and shoulder tattoo are on full display, with weight racks and exercise equipment visible in the background.
The footage carries the relaxed, casual energy of a fitness selfie, the kind you’d scroll past without a second thought. But knowing what Kitiki is going through now, it hit different for many fans.
He captioned the video simply:
“One day all shall be okay.”
Kitiki, who built his reputation as a go-to barber for Kenyan celebrities, was diagnosed with stage-three gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), a rare and aggressive form of stomach cancer.
As of August 2026, his weight had fallen to a deeply worrying 29 kilograms, with the illness robbing him of the strength he once showed off so effortlessly in the gym. He now relies on a walking stick to get around.
Despite the physical toll, Kitiki has spoken about finding comfort and purpose in returning to his barbershop whenever he can, describing it as a source of normalcy during one of the hardest seasons of his life.
He has also reached out for financial and emotional support from well-wishers, with celebrities joining public efforts to raise funds to cover his medical expenses and treatment costs.
The throwback video struck a chord with followers, many of whom flooded the comments with encouragement and prayers.
@kevmwachiro wrote:
“Believe that, bro. We’ve got to.”
@kennedygerry6 added:
“Optimism is key. God ahead always.”
@amaa_h001 shared:
“May God give you strength. May He renew you each day. God is so much able.”
@shelsea_shawn summed it up with just two words:
“Life sometimes.”
