Comedian Mannerson Oduor Ochieng, alias Akuku Danger, has opened up about his deeply personal journey with sickle cell, revealing the emotional and physical toll it has taken on his relationships over the years.
In a candid reflection shared ahead of the upcoming Sickle Cell Day commemoration on Thursday, June 19, 2025, Akuku disclosed that out of all the women he has dated in his life, only two were ever aware that he lives with the condition.
He said that for the most part, he chose to keep his health struggles private, even during moments of intense physical pain, to avoid alarming his partners or being seen as fragile.
“Of all the ladies that I have dated in my life, only two ever knew that I had sickle cell. I have always kept it to myself,” Akuku said.
He recalled one specific moment when he was with a lady, and in the middle of their time together, he began experiencing a severe pain crisis in his lower back and hips.
However, instead of excusing himself to take medication and risk revealing his condition, he opted to endure the episode in silence, forcing himself to think quickly and act creatively so that the lady would not notice anything was wrong.
“There was this one day during an intimate moment, and suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my lower back — a crisis was starting. But I could not excuse myself to go and take my medicine because the girl I was with would have panicked or started asking questions. So I had to act like everything was normal and find a creative way to manage the pain. That is the life of a warrior, hiding the battle even when it is raging inside,” Akuku added.
Akuku said that these hidden battles are part of what many sickle cell warriors go through on a daily basis, especially in a society where chronic illness is often misunderstood or stigmatised.
He added that opening up about such moments is not easy, but he hopes that by sharing his truth, others living with the condition can find the courage to speak about their experiences too.
He also took the opportunity to invite the public to the official marking of Sickle Cell Day on Friday, June 28, 2025, where fellow warriors will gather in solidarity.
He revealed that the event aims to raise awareness, build support networks, and shine a light on the often invisible struggles of those living with sickle cell disease.
“This month, on Friday, June 28, we shall be marking Sickle Cell Day at AAR Grounds. Come and meet other warriors, hear their stories, and stand with us in raising awareness.”
Sister’s sickle cell battle
The revelation comes just two years after Akuku broke the heartbreaking news of his younger sister’s death from the same condition.
Through his official Instagram page on Sunday, July 30, 2023, the comedian revealed that, just like him, his sister was born with sickle cell disease.
“Woke up to the saddest news😭😭 My small siz went to be with the Lord last night. Like me, she was born with sickle cell disease, and she succumbed to it. Rest well, warrior, Nind gi kwe Merwa🕊️😭,” he wrote.
Akuku Danger has, in the recent past, been in and out of the hospital as he battles sickle cell disease.
In a previous interview, he candidly shared about being born with sickle cell anaemia, which affected some of his body organs.
In 2022, the comedian endured a difficult period when he had to be hospitalised due to a deteriorating condition.
Troubled by breathing difficulties, he sought medical attention, where it was discovered that he had collapsed lungs and pneumonia.
“I know my body, and since I have had sickle cell anaemia since birth, I know when something is wrong. When I took myself to the hospital, I had breathing difficulties,” he said in an interview.
“I was admitted immediately, and later I was transferred to Nairobi West Hospital ICU, where I was unconscious for four days,” he said.
The comedian’s situation touched the hearts of his friends, fans, and family, who rallied together to organise fundraising efforts to help clear the substantial medical expenses incurred during his hospitalisation.
Sickle cell anaemia belongs to a group of conditions collectively known as sickle cell disease. This genetic disorder affects red blood cells, leading to a shortage of healthy ones that can efficiently transport.
