Renowned actor Alphonce Makokha bravely shares the deeply personal journey of his late wife, Purity Wambui, as she courageously battled through the harrowing stages of cancer.
In an interview with a local media outlet, Makokha disclosed that Purity had been grappling with the illness for a staggering 18-year period.
Recounting their ordeal, Makokha detailed his wife’s battle with breast cancer, recounting the countless hospital trips and rounds of treatments she underwent over the years. “The challenge was breast cancer… She underwent chemotherapy and had growths removed,” he recounted.
Makokha revealed that despite their relentless efforts, the final four months of Purity’s life were particularly grueling.
Makokha recounted the heart-wrenching moment his wife passed away, vividly recalling the events of that day. Departing for work, he entrusted his daughter with caring for her mother. “I was heading to work. I told my daughter, please take care of your mum. Shortly after we left, but before we reached halfway, my brother Hiram Mungai ‘Ondieki Nyuka Kwota’ told me,” he recounted.
His friend, Hiram Mungai, the first to be informed, conveyed the news with empathy and compassion. “He was the first to be told because my daughter asked, how will you tell daddy this? So while we were on the journey, Hiram told me to stop the car, we went to a petrol station, ordered tea, and he told me things weren’t good, but they would be okay.
He told me she’s no more.” Makokha was overwhelmed with grief, shedding tears for nearly two hours. “I shouted, people thought I had gone crazy. I cried for about two hours… That night was a nightmare to me,” he shared.
Reflecting on his last interaction with his wife, Makokha recalled her plea for him to take her to the hospital. “Daddy, take me to the hospital,” she said, and he immediately complied.
Recalling the moment they arrived and she began receiving care, she expressed, “Daddy, you are the best.” Despite the significant financial strain, Makokha spared no effort in ensuring Purity received optimal treatment. “It has been a burden. I can’t say it’s been a burden; it’s been a journey.
Every journey has its challenges, mountains, nails, you name it, and you have to fight. We were going to private hospitals where you have to spend money. Eventually, I had to take her to Kenyatta Hospital. It’s like over Ksh 3 million,” he shared.
Despite the considerable depletion of his finances due to his wife’s treatment, Makokha chose to shoulder the burden alone, not wanting to trouble others. He disclosed that the ordeal has been particularly challenging for their children, especially their youngest, who, at 11 years old, incessantly inquires about her mother’s whereabouts.
Makokha expressed profound grief at the passing of his wife, his companion of three decades. “It’s agonizing. I will no longer have my beloved kitchen, which I cherished… Mothers are incredibly important in this world. It’s a wound, I don’t know when it will heal, but I know it will endure forever,” he mourned. “We were an exceedingly joyful family. I will miss her voice,” he added.
To offer support to Alphonse Makokha, you can contribute through his Paybill number 522533, Account number 787096, under the business name Shanice Njeri Msagani.
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