Martin was born to very poor parents in a family of four. The father left the burden of bringing up the children to the mother who left her children most nights to work as a barmaid. She also engaged in selling and consuming illicit brew. Because of the nature of her business she often risked spending time in police custody. She fell sick in 1995 and passed away. Her death dealt a big blow to the children, as they had no one to take care of them. They begged from the neighbours and moved from one relative to the next. They were forced to engage in child labour to earn food. Pangs of hunger, severe cold weather, lack of clothes, medical care, and adequate shelter were all part of their life. The children moved to the street in search of food and comfort. However, on the street, they were more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

The children's department officers in Thika Town tried to follow up their case and established that the children had lost their only parent. They were taken to Juvenile Remand Home for care and protection. This was their new home until 1996 when, through the court orders, they were committed to Mully Children's Family (MCF) for care and protection.

Martin and his siblings have since been under MCF care and protection. He is very thankful to have been given a chance to discover and nurture his talents in football and academics. He is a very ambitious young man with hope for the future. Upon his rescue he was enrolled in grade one and has progressed well with his education. He hopes to study engineering someday.