Mercy Kyallo, the sister to television presenter Betty Kyallo, has opened up about their brother’s battle with alcohol abuse.
“One of the lowest moments in our lives and the most humbling was when our brother was battling with alcoholism,” Mercy said, adding: “We had to take him to rehab.”
The brother, Brian Kyallo, is now alcohol-free and doing much better, Mercy said in a radio interview.
“We never talk about that and we never really talk about mental health. And that is something that is close to my heart. He is now perfect and back to himself,” explained Mercy.
The Yallo Leather founder added that she was humbled by Brian’s battle with alcoholism and the process it took for him to recover.
“Just that process of taking a loved one to rehab, and dealing with drug addiction, it just really humbled me and is an experience I will never forget. And I will never judge anybody going through such a situation.”
Mercy stated she will be highlighting issues to do with mental health to inspire more people.
“I respect anybody who is working with anything to do with the mental health. As a society, we never talk about mental health. Everyone talks about physical abuse or emotional abuse but no one talks about mental health or even accept that it is a growing problem in Kenya. It is a disease just like any other.”
On being made a ‘celebrity’ by her sister Betty, Mercy said: “I did not want to be a celebrity. I did not sign up to be famous. Not many people become famous because of their siblings. And that happened to me. So, I have just been authentic. I don’t pretend to be anything. That is why when I feel like dressing official, I do so, I just do me.”
