Ernest Isindu Koloba

Ernest Isindu Koloba was born in 1936 in Bukhulunya area of Kakamega County. He was the last born in a family of three children and looked up to his eldest brother for guidance. His brother took on the responsibility of paying his fees, allowing Ernest to study at Bukulunya Primary School until he completed his education in 1955.

After finishing school, he secured a job working for an Indian employee where his ability to speak English became a vital asset. Because his bosses did not speak Kiswahili and the locals did not know English, he stepped in as a professional translator. He later met a photographer who trained him in the art of photography and film, eventually helping him acquire his own equipment to start a business.

Ernest’s career expanded as he became a news reporter, though the physical demands of covering accidents and working late nights eventually led him to stop. In 1959, he married his wife and they were blessed with nine children, though sadly only three are still alive today. He retired in 1998 and tried to sustain his family by rearing poultry and pigs, but thieves repeatedly stole his stock until he had nothing left.

Life became a daily struggle for survival as his remaining children fell into the trap of alcohol and substance abuse instead of helping him. With no income and a home filled with grown children who could not provide, he often found himself wondering where his next meal would come from. His daughter eventually returned home to assist him, but without a stable source of food, their situation remained desperate.

His path crossed with the Mama Ibado program after a local leader noticed his struggles and recommended him for assistance. The team visited his home to assess his needs and immediately added him to the list of seniors receiving monthly support.

"If this program had not found me, I might have passed away from hunger by now, but today I have the energy to wake up," Said Isindu.

The help he receives includes essential supplies such as rice, flour, sugar, and porridge mix to keep his household running. He also receives milk, which has been a great boost to his strength as an elderly man living in difficult conditions. These items ensure that even when his children cannot provide, he does not have to go to bed on an empty stomach.

He feels a deep sense of gratitude toward the foundation and its leadership for stepping in to fill the gap left by his family. He often shares how the program has restored his dignity and given him a reason to keep going despite his past losses. He hopes the support continues so that he can live out his remaining years without the constant fear of starvation.

Ernest still relies on this assistance because his sons are unable to work due to their struggles with addiction. Since his retirement benefits are non-existent and his livestock was stolen, he has no other way to buy basic necessities like sugar or oil. This partnership is his only lifeline, providing the medical care and nutrition that his own family cannot offer.