Celebrated Kenyan journalist and former BBC Focus on Africa host Sophie Ikenye has been hospitalized back home in Kenya, with her family revealing that she has been battling an illness for over eight months.
Ikenye, 50, is set to undergo urgent hip surgery, a condition that has significantly impacted her health, according to her family.
In a heartfelt appeal, the family disclosed the financial strain of supporting her treatment.
“For the past eight months, Sophie has been receiving treatment at various medical facilities. As a family, we have done everything possible to support her care, but we have now exhausted all available funds,” they said.
They are now reaching out to well-wishers, fans, friends, and family for help. The family has set a target of raising KShs 5 million (approximately Shs 158 million) to cover the cost of her surgery and ongoing treatment.
A Paybill number has been provided to facilitate donations, and the family expressed immense gratitude for any support: “Your prayers, kindness, and generous contributions will mean the world to us during this difficult time.”