Ali Wako

At just 16, Ali Wako left his native Marsabit town with courage and determination, seeking a better life in Isiolo. Finding unoccupied land, he boldly claimed it, built a mud house with an iron-sheet roof, and began his journey toward stability.

From age 16 to 27, Ali worked tirelessly in odd jobs, including farming and being a turn boy, to provide for himself. As his life took shape, he met a local girl, started a family, and became responsible for feeding three mouths. Seeking better opportunities, Ali moved to Meru and secured a job operating a woodcutting machine at a timber firm. Earning Ksh. 120 (CAD 1.50) daily—a decent wage in the 1970s—he felt his life was improving.

But tragedy struck one fateful day. A freak accident with the machine severed his hand, ending his employment and plunging him into uncertainty. Though his employer paid his hospital bills, Ali was left jobless.

Returning to Isiolo, Ali refused to succumb to begging. Instead, he herded livestock for local families until the late 1990s, when his age and frailty forced him to stop. He turned to his fellow muslim brethren for assistance, relying on their religious brotherhood to survive. 

Hope shone through on Ali’s life when he joined Mama Ibado Charity’s seniors' feeding program, where he now receives regular food rations, lifting the burden of hunger and restoring his dignity. The charity also provides essential healthcare, ensuring his well-being in his golden years. With MIC as his new support system, Ali spends his days engaging in local politics and playing poker with peers, free from the worry of his next meal.

You can help Ali Wako today, by offering your support.