Kenyan photographer and popular TikTok influencer Baba Talisha has shared first-hand details about how a devastating road accident altered his daughter's health permanently.
Speaking on the Over 1M Podcast with host Tony Mwirigi, the content creator explained the ongoing medical challenges that led to his daughter, Baby Talisha, receiving a government disability card.
The tragic accident occurred six years ago on the Thika Superhighway near Kenyatta University while the family was travelling to a photoshoot. The crash claimed the life of Baba Talisha's wife, Milkah, and left their young daughter in a critical condition in hospital.
The grieving father coordinated her emergency treatments while himself recovering from injuries.
Before the accident, Baby Talisha was a perfectly healthy child with no developmental or physical issues. Her father recalled her early days, emphasising that she did not have any pre-existing conditions.
"When she was born, she was just like any other normal kid."
The impact of the crash, however, changed the trajectory of her life and health forever.
Permanent Health Challenges and the Disability Card
As a result of the brain trauma and injuries sustained during the accident, Baby Talisha now lives with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SSD). These neurological conditions mean she requires constant support, particularly in school environments.
To help her navigate these challenges and access essential support services, she has been officially issued a government disability card.
"After the accident now things really changed on her life... So, we had to get a disability card, hiyo ndio inamsaidia. Hata akienda shule inamaanisha lazima asaidiwe kufanya vitu Fulani, macho zake haziko sawa pia, so it’s a lot, it requires patience."
"Mimi nimestruggle na hizo miaka zingine zote hospitals you know therapy taking until right now bado nampelekanga therapy."
The Toll of Sole Caregiving and Finding Support
Raising a child with complex needs while grieving the loss of his wife has taken a significant physical and mental toll on Baba Talisha. As a single father, he has managed her hospitals, therapy, and school runs entirely on his own.
Under the immense pressure of caregiving, public scrutiny, and grief, his physical health declined sharply. During the height of the crisis, his weight dropped from 83 kg to 67 kg due to severe stress.
"Mimi I've been taking care of my baby alone... Let me just focus tu."
However, Baba Talisha noted that his current partner has stepped in as a supportive mother figure for Baby Talisha, helping to make their daily routines much smoother.
