Tito, a Grade 8 pupil, has not reported to school since January after he was left with the responsibility of taking care of his four younger siblings.
Instead of attending classes and focusing on his education like other children his age, Tito now spends his days looking for ways to provide food and basic needs for his siblings.
As the firstborn, he has taken on the role of both brother and parent after their mother reportedly abandoned them most of the time.
According to Tito, their mother often leaves them alone for long periods.
The children come from five different fathers, but none of them are supporting them.
Tito revealed that he has never met his biological father. He was told that his father rejected him just two days after he was born.
He further explained that after his mother gave birth to him, she entered another relationship and had a second child, but the relationship did not last.
The same pattern reportedly continued over the years, with his mother getting into new relationships, having children, and later separating from the men.
This cycle continued until the birth of the fifth child.
Tito said that each time his mother gives birth and the baby grows slightly older, she leaves them in his care.
She then disappears for some time and later returns pregnant again.
This has forced him to grow up quickly and take on responsibilities beyond his age.
Currently living in Kitui, Tito does whatever he can to support his siblings.
He fetches water and sells it to neighbors, collects plastic bottles for recycling, and sometimes sells household items when he fails to earn money.
These small jobs help him buy food, although the income is not always enough.
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