“Chosen?” I THOUGHT SO!

Hi, my name is Steve Murimi, and this is my journey with epilepsy.

My life has changed in so many ways because of this condition. I experienced my first seizure when I was 12 years old. At first, I didn’t understand what was happening — I even thought I was somehow “chosen.”

Some of our neighbours claimed that my school was demonic, but I chose to stay because the teachers supported me, even though my education became difficult. Some of my family members believed it was a curse, and I was taken to several pastors for prayers. That experience shook my faith since I was raised Catholic.

When I joined secondary school, things got tougher. I had no friends, the teachers showed little support, and other students called me names. Still, I stayed because I wanted to learn. Later, my mother was advised to take me to the hospital, where I was diagnosed with epilepsy and started treatment at Mathare Hospital.

My life took a positive turn when I met a member of Youth on the Move, a group that empowers people with epilepsy to discover and use their talents. Through them, I’ve learned more about epilepsy, gained confidence, and discovered how to live positively with my condition.

With epilepsy, you just need to understand yourself — and never stop believing in your worth.