SHIYUKAH ADIJA ANYANGU

Hadija Nyangu Shiuka was born in Kakamega, Shikhambi in 1953. She currently resides in Majengo. Her early life was marked by profound hardship. Both of her parents passed away, leaving her an orphaned girl alone.

Due to her unfortunate circumstances, Hadija attend school up to Standard Four (4) before being forced to drop out due to a lack of school fees. Left alone as a young girl, the struggle for survival became overwhelming.

Seeking a better life, she decided to marry. She met her husband, who hailed from Meru, and they moved to Uganda. Their marriage was fruitful, and they were blessed with ten children. Life initially seemed stable; they had accumulated significant property and wealth.
However, their fortune was shattered by the election violence that engulfed Uganda. They were forced to flee, losing everything they owned. They joined fellow Kenyans who were being transported back to Kenya on lorries, eventually landing in Kakamega.

The immense stress of losing everything took a severe toll on her husband, who suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after their return. Hadija was left a widow, solely responsible for their ten children. With great determination, she found work as a housemaid in Kakamega to feed her family and ensure her children could attend school.

As the children grew older, they eventually pursued their own paths and lives, leaving Hadija alone again. She relocated to Majengo, where she started a meager business: frying and selling mandazi (doughnuts), which she hawked in the markets. Her earnings were often just enough to buy a 2 kg tin of maize flour. She continued this taxing work until old age and infirmity made it impossible to sustain.

"Now I am old. I cannot manage. I cannot even manage to look for food. I cannot even go anywhere."

While attending the mosque, Hadija met fellow Muslim community members who encouraged her, saying, "Hadija, why don't you go and register there so you can get food? Stop struggling every day in people's houses." Inspired by this hope, she went to register with Mama Ibado's food program for seniors.

She began receiving support. She is immensely grateful that she now receives regular food, which has alleviated her constant struggle for sustenance.

Apart from the food, Hadija is also receiving crucial health support from the Mama Ibado initiative. She states that she has a health issue (disease) that is currently being treated, and she feels optimistic about recovery. A critical part of her care is that she visits the clinic every Thursday for a check-up. This consistent medical attention is a vital benefit she receives alongside the food.

Hadija expresses deep gratitude to the Mama Ibado foundation for providing both food and medical treatment. "I thank you very much. May God bless you," she says sincerely.
Hadija needs continued help because she is now elderly and infirm (she cannot manage/sustain herself). She can no longer work to find food or attend to her basic needs due to her advanced age and health condition.