ABDALLA HUSSEIN

Abdalla Hussein was born in 1938 in Machakos County.

He grew up in a family that eventually relocated to Kakamega after his father passed away in 1965.

He was later sent to Kisumu to study both English and religious studies at a madrasa. However, his education was cut short because his mother had become very elderly and the family could no longer afford school fees.

After leaving his studies, he returned home to look for work to support his aging mother. He spent much of his adult life working as a "turnboy" for matatus.

Abdalla eventually married, but the relationship ended in separation, leaving him to navigate life's challenges alone. He has one son, but the two have no contact, and his son offers no support or communication to his father.

For many years, he struggled to find even a single meal, often relying on the kindness of friends he happened to meet on the street. His living situation is equally difficult, as he resides in a small, one-room semi-permanent house on land belonging to his stepfather.

His health began to decline severely as he aged, and he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Living in a house that is not his own and having no siblings or children to care for him, he faced the reality of falling into total despair.

In April 2023, his life took a turn when program coordinators noticed his dire living conditions while they were registering people in the community. They assessed his situation and realized he was living in a "hole of shame" with no way to feed himself.

Since joining the program, he receives regular supplies of maize flour, rice, sugar, and milk. These essentials have provided him with a safety net he never thought he would have in his old age.

"I thank the Almighty for Mama Ibado because they covered my shame when I had absolutely nothing to eat. Life was a constant worry, but now I can sit down knowing there is food provided for me."

Beyond the nutritional support, Abdalla benefits from the health program, which is vital for managing his TB. He visits the clinic every Thursday for check-ups to ensure his condition is monitored and treated properly.

Despite the support, Abdalla remains in a fragile state due to his age and his lack of a permanent home. He requires continued assistance to maintain his health treatments and to ensure he has a dignified place to live during his final years.