Wanja Wamwangi

The dry, sweltering heat of Isiolo’s savannah has been Wanja’s constant companion since birth. Born in 1946 to struggling parents with seven mouths to feed, her arrival only deepened their hardship. School was never an option, and tragedy struck early when Wanja lost both parents, leaving her childhood a hazy memory of unending struggle.

In her teens, life dealt more blows, but at 24, a spark of hope appeared. She fell in love and married a man who promised better days ahead. Together, they built a family of ten—five daughters and three sons. However, each child’s birth added to their survival burdens. Tragedy soon followed as Wanja lost two sons, shattering her world. Her husband, unable to cope, turned to alcoholism, leaving Wanja to fend for the family.

Wanja took to hawking fruits by the roadside, weaving through traffic to sell bananas and oranges to bus passengers. Her charm often secured sales, but the danger and exhaustion were relentless. On bad days, the family went hungry.

The final blow came when her husband abandoned her for another woman. Alone and aging, Wanja could no longer chase vehicles for sales. Destitution forced her to beg on the streets, her life unraveling.

In her darkest days, Wanja learned of Mama Ibado Charity’s seniors' feeding program. Desperate, she walked into their offices and shared her story. Her plea touched hearts, and she was welcomed into the program.

Seven years later, Wanja is transformed. The once hard-lined face now radiates glimpses of joy. Her basic needs met, she lives with dignity and hope. “Mama Ibado Charity is my lifeline,” she often says, with profound gratitude.

Through its seniors-focused programs, Mama Ibado Charity is rewriting stories like Wanja’s, proving that even after years of hardship, hope can still bloom.