Lugale Ernest Masinde

Ernest Elisha Masinde Lukale was born in 1948 in Siwakhala, Matende. He attended Matende Primary School, completing his education up to Class Eight in 1967. A good Samaritan helped him secure work in Nairobi in 1968 with an Indian contractor who specialized in construction.

Ernest quickly became a skilled laborer assisting with plumbing and water pipe work. He worked on major contracts until 1972, when he returned home with valuable expertise in his trade. He married his wife in 1969, and they were blessed with nine children, though sadly, three passed away, leaving six surviving children.

His life took a devastating turn when his wife became gravely ill with breast cancer. Ernest spent all their savings on treatment, traveling with her to specialists in Kisumu and Kakamega. Tragically, she passed away, leaving him alone and financially depleted while their children were still young in primary school.

Left with nothing, Ernest had to resume working as a self-employed plumber to raise his children. He relied solely on his acquired skills for income, taking on casual contracts to provide for the family. Eventually, his proficiency led him to a permanent position as a plumber at the County Council in 1980, where he worked until his retirement.

By the time he retired, his savings had been used up on his wife’s illness, leaving him with little financial security. He successfully raised his six daughters until they became adults; they are now married and have their own homes and children. Although he provided for them until they were grown, he now lives alone and sadly notes, "they do not support me." The combination of old age and years of hard labor means his body lacks the strength for manual work, making life a constant struggle.

His situation changed when he heard about the positive reputation of the Mama Ibado Foundation, and he decided to go to the center himself. He registered with his ID and began receiving assistance, initially receiving support simply by visiting, but later being formally enrolled as a full beneficiary. Today, the foundation has become his primary lifeline.

He receives essential provisions, including rice, milk, maize flour, porridge flour, and sugar, which significantly relieve the daily pressure of finding food. Critically, Ernest confirms that the support extends beyond food: he visits the center’s clinic every Thursday for a medical check-up, which is essential support for his aging health.

Ernest is filled with profound gratitude for the foundation, stating, "Mama Ibado has saved me, she has helped me," and the food they provide is what sustains him. He prays that the donor receives blessings so they can continue their work. Ernest needs this continued assistance because he is an elderly widower living alone with no one to care for him.

Without the reliable food and crucial weekly health checks provided by Mama Ibado, he would be unable to sustain himself and would face severe hardship.