A noble gesture turned into a medical emergency for gospel singer Stephen Kasolo, who collapsed while trekking for cancer awareness.

The harsh reality of physical endurance tested Kamba gospel sensation Stephen Kasolo to his limits yesterday. In a bid to support fellow musician Biez Kaviru’s 170km cancer awareness walk from Kitui to Nairobi, Kasolo joined the caravan at Mlolongo. However, after covering just 12 kilometers of the punishing tarmac under the scorching sun, Kasolo’s body gave in, leading to his urgent hospitalization.

The Spirit Was Willing, The Body Was Weak

The walk, intended to culminate at President William Ruto's office to present a petition on cancer care, demands immense physical resilience. Kasolo, moved by the cause, stepped onto the highway with high spirits. "I thought it would be easy," he later admitted from his hospital bed. "I see people walking and think it's a joke. It is not."

Photos shared on social media showed the flamboyant singer lying on the grass in the wilderness, receiving first aid from the support team. His face, usually bright with the joy of performance, was etched with exhaustion and pain. "I am in pain everywhere," he posted, updating his worried fans. "I have had to go to the hospital. My legs are on fire."

• The Cause: The walk is led by Biez Kaviru, who has trekked for days to highlight the plight of cancer patients in rural Kenya and demand better healthcare infrastructure.
• The Collapse: Kasolo joined at the final leg but underestimated the pace and the heat. His collapse highlights the sheer physical toll of Kaviru's multi-day journey.
• The Recovery: Kasolo is currently in stable condition, receiving treatment for dehydration and muscle fatigue. He has vowed to continue supporting the cause, albeit not on foot.

A Spotlight on the Journey

While Kasolo’s hospitalization was a dramatic turn of events, it inadvertently amplified the visibility of the walk. Thousands of fans who follow the gospel star are now aware of Biez Kaviru’s mission. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which activists go to bring attention to neglected issues like cancer, which claims thousands of lives in Kenya annually.

As Kasolo recovers, the focus returns to Kaviru, who continues to trudge towards the city center, carrying the hopes of many patients. Kasolo’s brief, painful stint on the road has proven that this is no ordinary walk—it is a sacrificial journey for a nation’s health.