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A social media post by a Kenyan woman has stirred concern and debate after she claimed to have discovered that her newly hired house help is living with HIV.
In the post shared anonymously on Facebook and attributed to Katerina Murigi, the woman said she came across antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in the domestic worker’s bag, just one week after employment.
According to her, the house help had left early for church on her day off, giving her the opportunity to check the bag.
“I am extremely shocked… one bottle is half, the other one is full and sealed. I took one and Google search confirmed ni ARVs,” she wrote.
The employer, who said she has 11-month-old twins and a five-year-old son, expressed fear over the safety of her children and family.
She questioned whether they were at risk and admitted she was not thinking clearly after the discovery.
“I am shaking… I want to know whether my kids, hubby and I are safe?” she posed in the message.
She also raised concern over the domestic worker not disclosing her HIV status before employment, stating that she planned to send her away immediately despite insisting she was not discriminating.
“I will also let her go immediately. It is risky,” she added.
The post quickly gained traction online, drawing mixed reactions from social media users.
While some shared her fears and supported her decision, others criticised the move, pointing to widespread misunderstanding about how HIV is transmitted.
The incident has once again brought to the surface personal fears, privacy concerns, and the persistent stigma surrounding HIV in everyday settings such as homes and workplaces.
Reactions:
Wambui KK: Who tells you your hubby can only get from the housekeeper. You should be glad she is on the drugs that makes her safe. Give her all the support she needs and you won't believe how good she will be. In my fight against HIV stigma I've realised some just need to be accepted in society and they are good to go.
Parin Favour: If you are letting her go why ask about the issue? Just find another reason and release her.
Chagaya Carolyne: Can you try put yourself in her shoes, there are so many ways of contracting hiv, the fact that she's taking her medicines means she's accepted her condition, talking to her about it maybe might trigger wounds that will take time to heal, study her and how she handles everything, so long as she doesn't have open wounds then just love her and don't make her feel like she's not okay.
Penny Simon: Ati am not discriminating but l want to send her back aah madam na the HIV you can get it anytime as long as you have a husband . You don't stay with him all times . The universe might decide to gift you soon. Hiv is not a disability.
Susan Thang: I don't see anything wrong with ARVs,it means she is taking care of her self so be it to other people surrounding her,,,but if u feel unsafe just look for a way to trick her way out.