A Kenyan artist, Kevin Bahati, has spoken candidly about how losing his brother Charles affected him. He laments not helping his brother when he was struggling with alcoholism at the time.
The father of four recounted his tale on Diana Marua's YouTube channel.
" Charles was the fourth born in our family. I have other brothers, namely Ndirangu and Kioko, I also have a sister. Charles died at Mbagathi hospital after battling Diabetes."
According to Bahati, the brothers' mother's passing when they were young motivated them to hustle early. Charles became heavily engrossed in drinking as a result of life's pressures.
Did you read this?
"My mum passed away while we were in Mathare. When my mum passed. We were trying to survive.
By the time we came to Nairobi, my brother started hustling, and because of the pressure, he sought solace in alcohol.
He died at age 22. Trying to earn a living was hard on him. He was diagnosed with Diabetes."
Despite the diagnosis, according to Bahati, his brother continued to drink.
"My brother and I would fight a lot as he would still drink even after being diagnosed with Diabetes. I failed as a Christian because I used to judge him.
I wrote him off as a brother because I felt he was not living the life I wanted.
I forgot that loving this person would bring healing and make them understand that alcohol can't solve things.
Maybe he drank because he felt like I was not supportive enough. It was too late when I started bonding with my brother and understanding we all need love.
His health had deteriorated, he underwent surgery, and after that, the bleeding never stopped."
Adding
"I have never been a friend of alcohol. I hate people that drink excessively."
Does he have any regrets?
"I regret not loving him enough to date. I would argue with my late brother over silly things.
What I have learned over time is to forgive quickly."
