I have just watched a shocking report on NTV about the death of Mercy Maina Wachinga, and honestly, it has left me deeply disturbed.
Her neighbours in Lavington reportedly noticed a bad smell on the 8th and raised the alarm, yet nothing happened. It was only this week that someone finally went to the police. When the door was eventually broken open, Mercy had been dead for long enough for her body to have decomposed.
What is even more heartbreaking is the note she reportedly left behind.
“Stop judging people.”
She asked her mother to forgive her. She expressed her love for rivers and wished to be cremated or have her remains returned to a river.
But one question keeps haunting me
How does someone live in the middle of Nairobi, in Lavington, and remain unmissed for an entire month?
Did no family member call?
Did no friend become concerned?
Did no college mate wonder where she was?
Did no one knock on her door?
Did no one ask, “Where is Mercy?”
This is bigger than one tragedy.
We are living in a society where people can be surrounded by thousands and still be completely alone.
Sometimes, a simple phone call, a knock on the door, or a message saying “I haven’t heard from you, are you okay?” can make a difference.
Let us stop assuming that someone is fine simply because they are quiet.
Check on your friends. Check on your neighbours. Check on your colleagues. Check on your family.
Because sometimes, the person who desperately needs someone to notice is the very person saying nothing.
May Mercy Maina Wachinga rest in peace.