Maliha Mohammed, a well-known Kenyan chef, recently made a heartfelt appeal for assistance after accumulating KSh 33,000 in rent arrears. She was facing the threat of eviction and shared her financial struggles on social media, asking for help from her followers. Maliha, who became famous for attempting the Guinness World Record for the longest non-stop solo cooking in November 2023, explained that her situation had become dire after months of financial hardship.
In her plea, Maliha revealed that her rent was KSh 12,000 per month, but she had fallen behind for several months due to ongoing financial difficulties. She admitted that her situation had worsened since January and, with eviction imminent, she had no other option but to ask for assistance. Despite the challenges she was facing, she expressed gratitude and humility, asking for prayers and understanding from her supporters. She made it clear that she wasn’t seeking sympathy but rather genuine help to keep her home. Her message resonated with many, and she shared her M-Pesa number for anyone willing to contribute.
Maliha’s fame came from her attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the longest continuous cooking session. She aimed to cook for 150 hours non-stop, which garnered widespread attention and support from Kenyans. During the attempt, she prepared over 400 dishes, but unfortunately, her record bid was disqualified due to an issue with the rest breaks. Despite the setback, she apologized to her fans for the disappointment and reassured them that she would continue pursuing her goals.
As the days passed, Maliha received the help she needed from generous individuals, many of whom stepped forward after reading her message. Within hours of her plea, she confirmed that the required amount had been raised, enabling her to settle her rent arrears and avoid eviction. She expressed her gratitude to the people who supported her, acknowledging their kindness during her time of need.
In addition to overcoming this immediate financial crisis, Maliha shared her long-term aspirations. Her dream is to open a space where she can teach others how to cook, emphasizing the importance of teaching people skills they can use to become self-sufficient. She described her current living situation, noting that she resided in a small one-bedroom house in Bamburi, which limited her ability to expand her culinary dreams. Despite her challenges, Maliha remains focused on her goal of creating a business that would empower others through cooking.
Maliha’s story is not just about overcoming financial hardships; it also highlights her resilience in the face of personal loss. In 2024, she mourned the death of her father, Islam Mohammed, who had been battling cancer. His passing was a heavy blow, especially since he had been preparing to be discharged from the hospital before his sudden death. Maliha also appealed to well-wishers for help with his remaining hospital bills, demonstrating her commitment to honoring her father’s memory while navigating through grief.
Maliha Mohammed’s journey is one of perseverance, determination, and the power of community support. Through her culinary expertise and unwavering spirit, she continues to inspire those around her, sharing her story of challenges, growth, and hope for a better future.
