WAMALWA MAULIDI OSAKULO

During our routine community assessment of our seniors, we come to the home of Mzee Wamalwa Maulidi Osakulo. In his modest homestead located in Navakholo, Kakamega County, we met him quietly arranging logs of firewood in preparation for charcoal burning.

Born in 1935, he spent his early working years as a prison warder before returning permanently to his rural roots.

Growing up within a tight-knit family of four children consisting of one girl and three boys, he attended Mumias Muslim School. His formal education concluded when he reached standard four, halting his studies due to the financial constraints of the time.

Leaving school early closed many doors, leaving him without the credentials needed for steady employment. He served as a prison warder for four years before returning home to become an imam at the Chebuyusi mosque. Later, he spent five years working as a matatu conductor before returning once more to his duties as an imam.

He married and was blessed with eighteen children—twelve daughters and six sons. Raising such a large household on an unstable income plunged the family into severe, grinding poverty. He took on exhausting physical odd jobs, but the daily earnings were rarely enough to buy provisions.

The struggle for sustenance was relentless, forcing his large family to endure frequent nights sleeping on empty stomachs.

"Life was heavy with endless worry, and waking up without knowing where the next meal would come from weighed constantly on my mind."

Seeking a way forward, he met a friend who connected him to Mama Ibado Charity. After filling out the registration forms with the help of the sub-chief, he was officially enrolled into the seniors food program on May 18, 2019. This connection brought reliable food support, including monthly provisions of maize flour, sugar, rice, tea leaves, and milk.

"Joining this program lifted a heavy shadow from my shoulders, ensuring we no longer sleep hungry and giving me peace of mind."

Despite receiving monthly food supplies, advanced age makes physical labor difficult for a ninety-one-year-old. He still relies on burning and selling charcoal to supplement his needs when provisions run low, navigating the forest and heavy logs despite a frail body. Assistance remains crucial to help ease these heavy physical burdens and secure a stable, dignified life in his golden years.