- At 71, Daniel Matoya is supposed to have retired and gone back to his village home in Vihiga County
- Interestingly, the security guard still treks from Kawangware to the CBD every day where he earns KSh 9,000 a month
- Matoya revealed that he is a single father of one, having lost his wife when the child was still under two years old
A chance encounter along a busy stretch in Nairobi has sparked reflection on ageing, resilience, and the quiet struggles of urban survival.
Source: UGC
Alex Kidake, who was walking through the city on his way from Lavington to Kileleshwa, met an elderly man identified as Daniel Matoya from Ebukanga Esikhuyu in Vihiga County.
He told NGBREAKINGNEWS that what began as an ordinary walk quickly turned into a deeply personal conversation that would leave a lasting impression.
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The two engaged in a deep conversation as they walked together towards the city centre, where Matoya was heading for work.
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Matoya revealed that he is a single father of one son, having lost his wife when the child was still under two years old.
At this point in the conversation, he paused, appearing to reflect on memories carried over many years.
When asked about his age, Matoya initially estimated he was around 50 years old. However, upon checking his identity card from a worn wallet, it was discovered that he was born in 1955, making him 71 years old.
The realisation reportedly surprised both men, with Matoya responding with humour, saying he had thought he still had time ahead for major life plans.
“I was even planning to marry after 10 years,” he joked, highlighting the gap between perceived age and lived reality.
Matoya works as a security guard in Nairobi, earning about KSh 9,000 a month, lives in Kawangware and commutes daily on foot to and from work, forcing him to walk long distances despite his age.
He disclosed that he leaves home early in the morning after his night shift, rests briefly, and then returns to town in the afternoon for the next shift, relying heavily on trekking due to financial constraints.
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When asked why he does not return to live permanently in his rural home, Matoya explained that he owns land in the village but finds life there difficult, citing limited access to basic comforts.
“Yes, I have three acres there, but village life is hard. No sugar. No salt. No fried food. Nothing sweet like Nairobi,” he said.
The remark sparked reflection on the growing rural-urban divide, where city life, despite its hardships, continues to attract and retain many who find returning home economically or socially challenging.
Kidake reflected on the contrast between rural and urban life, suggesting that many people remain disconnected from ancestral homes despite owning land there, often due to economic pressures and changing lifestyles.
The well-wisher offered to locate Matoya’s relatives, support him in returning to his rural home, improve his living conditions, and restore a sense of dignity in life.
Daniel Matoya’s story is not just about one man’s endurance, but a reflection of thousands who continue to navigate the harsh realities of urban survival long after retirement age.
Source: NGBREAKINGNEWS
