By  Kinuthia Mburu, January 3  2012, Daily Nation

“…It’s over now, tiga kurira ringi (Don’t cry anymore)…” the voice from the small radio suspended from the low roof of the two bedroom wooden house, sings.

“That’s my song,” Cyrus Karani remarks, a slight smile on his lips. There’s no doubt that this lean 25-year-old man is talented. Unknown to his fans though, Cyrus was once a street boy.

“Mine has been a difficult journey,” he begins. Unlike many street children who are forced into that life by circumstances such as poverty, or a parent’s death, Cyrus K, as he is popularly known, willingly chose it, until the harsh reality that is street life tamed him, that is.

“I was a difficult child,” he admits.

His father, Samuel Murigu, a blacksmith, worked in a different town, and therefore wasn’t around much.

With eight children to look after, it was difficult for his mother, Grace Wanjiru, to keep tabs on him throughout. Due to this, Cyrus always got away with all manner of mischief.

When he joined primary school, he began to steal pens and books from his classmates. He would then sell them at a throwaway price to street vendors in Kerugoya town. READ...