Kenyan TikToker and comedian Bill Rono, popularly known as Ronoo, broke down in tears as he recounted the heartbreaking final moments of his mother, Rebecca Chebet Maru, who died suddenly on October 2.

Speaking during his mother’s memorial service at AIC Milimani, Ronoo narrated how what began as an ordinary morning with his family quickly turned into a desperate race to save her life.

Ronoo said they had been having breakfast when his mother went upstairs to shower. Before she could get dressed, she suddenly began experiencing breathing difficulties.

“Tulikua tuna-have breakfast, then my mum went upstairs to shower. Before she put on her clothes, she started having breathing problems. She called my brother Brandon, who also called me. Nilihave to call my sister asaidie mum kuvaa nguo,” he recalled.

The comedian said he was overwhelmed by the situation and confused about what to do, to the extent that he turned to ChatGPT for guidance.

His mother, however, insisted that they take her to a nearby clinic, despite the family urging her to go directly to Metropolitan Hospital.

“She insisted that we pass by a nearby clinic, but sisi tulikua tunamwambia awache, twende Metropolitan. But she insisted,” he said.

At the clinic, the family encountered Chinese doctors, and communication proved difficult because of a language barrier as they tried to explain the urgency of their mother’s condition.

They subsequently decided to take her to another hospital, where they were informed that she needed oxygen. The family then rushed her to Metropolitan Hospital, relieved that there was no traffic along the way.

But as they approached the hospital, Ronoo said, his mother uttered words that continue to haunt him.

“Tukikaribia Metropolitan, kitu ilihappen enye sijawai amini hadi wa leo. When you watch movies, situation kama hiyo kunakuanga na hizo last words. Mum was struggling to breathe and she told me, ‘Bill, nimechoka, nimechoka, mimi naenda,’” he recalled emotionally.

Ronoo said his mother suddenly went quiet and looked down as they neared the hospital. At first, he struggled to comprehend what was happening, until he noticed that her fingernails were turning pale.

“That is when I knew what had happened,” he said.

Beyond the painful memory of her final words, the comedian also recalled a seemingly ordinary moment at home that has since taken on a heartbreaking meaning.

He said his mother had asked for water, prompting his brother to bring her a bottle. However, she never got the chance to drink from it.

Ronoo said he has kept the water bottle as a painful reminder of the morning that changed their lives forever.

“Hii water bottle nitakua natembea nayo, na hii maji haitawahi funguliwa hata,” he said.

The comedian thanked family, friends and fans who have continued to visit and support them as they come to terms with the loss.

“It has not been easy because our mum has not been sick, but I am glad people have been showing up. Thank you all,” he said.

Rebecca is survived by her husband and three children. She will be laid to rest at the family home in Chepkunyuk village, Nandi County, on Tuesday, October 13.