Mwatumu Juma

Mwatumu, a mother of four children—two sons and two daughters—lives in Majengo, Kakamega County. Despite her age, she shoulders the immense responsibility of caring for ten grandchildren—six boys and four girls. Not all of them attend school, as the family struggles with the cost of uniforms, school fees, and books.

Mwatumu’s life has been marked by hardship and suffering, particularly within her abusive marriage. For years, she endured physical violence with no explanation, facing a lack of honesty and intimacy in her relationship. The abuse took a toll on her well-being, and after years of suffering, she finally divorced her husband.

Left to raise her family alone, she found strength in resilience. Her son, Ali, helps her make samosas, which they sell along Amalemba Road in a desperate attempt to earn a living. However, despite their efforts, they often rely on well-wishers for food, and on many nights, they go to bed hungry.

Mwatumu’s health has suffered greatly due to the burdens of single motherhood and financial struggles. She battles ulcers, hypertension, and has lost teeth due to diabetes. Her ability to work is limited, making it difficult to provide for her grandchildren, despite her determination to sustain them.

For a long time, Mwatumu sought help wherever she could, even asking well-wishers to contact Mama Ibado Charity (MIC) on her behalf. In April 2022, after frequent visits to the MIC office during food distributions, she was officially enrolled in the senior feeding program. Since then, she has received monthly food rations, significantly easing the burden of feeding her family.

Mwatumu also attends MIC’s healthcare clinics, where she receives treatment for her health conditions. With regular medical support and food assistance, her health has improved, allowing her to focus on caring for her grandchildren.