Manoa Waiswa Lukhafwa

Manoa Waiswa Lukhafwa was born in 1939, in Bunyala East, Kakamega County. He was raised as the fourth child in a large family of eleven children.

His journey through education began in 1951 at the age of twelve, where he showed great promise. He completed his primary and intermediate levels before moving to Mombasa, where he eventually graduated from Form Four in 1964.

After school, Manoa secured a position with the Ministry of Works in Shimanzi in 1965. He spent his early adulthood as the family's main provider, delaying his own marriage to pay school fees for his siblings and cousins.

In 1976, he finally married and started a family of four children. However, his stability vanished when his employer closed down and his subsequent detergent manufacturing business failed due to a partner's dishonesty.

The family’s hardships deepened when his eldest son suffered a mental breakdown during his school years. This son remains disabled today, often seen wandering the streets of Kakamega, unable to care for himself or contribute to the household.

Manoa worked tirelessly to educate his other children, but the rewards remained out of reach. His daughter graduated from Masinde Muliro University but cannot find a job, and his other son lost his employment during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Life took a devastating turn on November 10, 2013, when Manoa’s wife passed away. Her death left him to face the dual shadows of grief and poverty while trying to support his grown, unemployed children.

He was eventually forced out of his long-term home in Mudiri Estate and moved to a smaller house in Shitao. He currently lives in total darkness with no water or electricity, owing over 15,000 shillings in unpaid rent.

To find food, the 86-year-old Manoa walks long distances to sell herbal supplements for a small commission. Many days end in disappointment, leaving him and his disabled son to sleep on empty stomachs in their cold, quiet house.

His life changed when a family friend who knew of his suffering introduced him to the Mama Ibado Charity. The organization visited his home, assessed his dire living conditions, and immediately enrolled him into the seniors' support program.

"Receiving this food has truly reduced the heavy stress of wondering how I will survive, as I now have maize flour, rice, and even cooking oil. Beyond the meals, knowing I can visit the clinic every Thursday for check-ups gives me the strength to keep going."

Manoa now receives a monthly supply of essential grains, milk, and sugar, which has restored a sense of hope to his household.

Despite this support, Manoa remains in a very fragile state. He still faces the constant threat of eviction and the daily struggle of living in a home without the most basic utilities.