SKY Guy: How My Bestie Came Through for Me

Unjani! That is a zulu greeting. My name is Ruele Okeyo, cycling is my thing and lying is definitely not my thing na hii ni story of how beshte yangu alicome through when I was at my lowest.

Ruele ni champion for people living with HIV, yaani kazi yangu ni kuchanua wasee kuhusu any information about HIV, vile wanaweza jiprevent, vile wanaweza fanya incase wafumble, na vile wanaweza ishi, in case tests come back positive.

After I tested positive for HIV in the year 2020, man sikuamini, I really thought these guys are joking, that the test kits ziko na issue, na hao wasee hawajui kazi yao, juu nilifanya test last in August, so how did I test positive? Hao watu hawangenisho!

I decided to tell my best friend, na he was very supportive alinihug akanishoo kila kitu itakua poa, but I did not believe him, so akanipeleka to a very nice clinic that helps young people and the youth, especially people living with HIV, na hapo I really got amazing services na wakanianzisha medication and I started talking to a therapist to guide and support me with my mental health issues.

Kuna times I felt like giving up, kuna time I actually cried in the middle of a street juu I was

overwhelmed by my HIV status, but alikua hapo through all that. He became my number one supporter and had me grounded, he made sure I never missed my clinic appointments, that I took my medication on time, and that every time I was down, he was always there to help support me.

Man my best friend really came through for me, cause yeye ndio alinishikilia during that tough time, through the tears, through the pain to where I am to date, I will forever be grateful to him. 

Thanks sana Ruele for sharing your story na shoutout to your best friend for showing you support and being there for you. That’s what friends are for, ama aje?