Kevin Kazungu aka Kevo

It's about noon. The place is Mundi Mbingu Street, a block or two from the iconic Jevanjee Gardens. By coincidence, October 20th is Heroes Day in Kenya. Since it's a Sunday, not so many people are on the streets. The skies are overhung with thick clouds but the weather is fine with a light breeze.

Kevo, 29, hesitates before approaching me. We lock eyes. They are clear dark eyes. He has a mission which is to eke something out of those on this street for his family. The brief hesitation, he explains later is because of the stigma of anybody on the street who looks like him, needy and a bit unkempt.

I almost dismissed him but something drew me to his bold and respectful approach. "Thank you," he says. "I just wanted to explain myself." I am all ears now. In a dismissive way, I enquire if he would like something from the nearby Naivas Super Market. By now, we have attracted curious glances from all and sundry. I had a meeting with someone at Hilton Hotel but I just can't ignore Kevo.

My phone rings. It's the person I am supposed to meet. I explain I shall be at the venue in about seven minutes. Kevo explains the milk I had offered won't be sufficient. You see, Kevo has a family. The youngest is still breast feeding. The eldest is 10 years and the second born about three. Therefore, he needs something for the family.

He has a shopping list which is affordable. At the Super Market, Kevo tells me I have to explain to the security people that we are together - again because of the stigma. I wish the thoughts away and we are allowed in. He picks what he needs - we had agreed on what we needed.

Somehow, we end up with one or two more items. As we approach the cashier he explains that an item we bought was not economical and opts for something. It makes sense. The he comes back, he has one more item! We are having a friendly discussion about the promise we made to get only what we had agreed on.

Again, we attract attention from the shopper infant who is interested in our discussion. Finally, the stuff is neatly stuck in a bag. "Can I please have the receipt," Kevo requests. Why? Because the City Council Police may think he has not got the stuff through the right channels! It makes sense.

We have an agreement, let's walk to the person I am supposed to meet and explain you are the culprit who delayed me. He agrees with a smile and cheekily adds: "I hope your friend won't be mad with me."

As we walk to the rendezvous, I learn that Kevo attended Upper Hill School and played rugby as a flanker. I have a soft spot for rugby and we chat about his time as a player. Why did he not continue? "The people who were playing were too big," he explains.

"What about your studies?" His eyes brighten up because Kevo was good at Maths, Biology and Physics. Alikuwa mnoma. He intended to do engineering at the University and his combinations worked. It was not to be.

Out of curiosity, I inquire why he cannot help mtaa kids - in Majengo - with their homework, especially those who are struggling? Again the stigma blocks him from doing this. "I am afraid of what people may think," he answers.

So what does the wife do? At the moment, she is looking after the last born. Ordinarily, she will be knocking on doors around Eastleigh to was people's clothes. She's a mama fua.bOn a light note, I suggest that Kevo should now funga kazi and concentrate on the family. He mischeviously adds that there could be room for one more! We leave it at that. By now, we are nearing my meeting place.

As we go our different ways, I wonder how many other Kevos are on the streets of Nairobi. The stigma that sticks like a leech on their backs and everywhere. What hope is there for them? It turns out Kevo is from somewhere in the Coast but considers Nairobi as home.

Today, I chipped in. The stuff he had would push him for more than two weeks. What happens after two weeks? Give and don't count the cost. I a world of social media, I should have taken a photo of myself and Kevo. I could have gained me a few followers and possibly more help for Kevo. Inwardly, I believe Kevo will figure it out. Sometimes, all it takes is to listen!