Atibu Azizi Mwande

Born in the slums of Kakamega, Amalemba, Abdul Azizi Mwande Atibu’s life began under the weight of poverty. He never made it past his first school term, a setback that shaped his journey of toil, resilience, and survival.

As a young boy, Abdul went to live with his uncle, who was equally poor. He became a herdsman, tending to 28 cattle for three long years. His pay was meager just Ksh 20 a month but he endured, determined to find his footing.

In 1974, he returned to town to live with his mother, hustling to make ends meet. He worked as a shoe shiner, then at a car wash, before becoming a bus tout in the early 1980s. In 1985, Abdul took a bold step: he joined driving school, earned his license, and became a bus driver.

But life behind the wheel was tough. The challenges of the job soon forced him out, pushing him to reinvent himself once again. This time, he invested in two cows, selling milk to cover basic needs. The small venture helped, but survival remained an uphill climb.

Through all these struggles, Abdul never gave up. His determination found unexpected support in the hands of Mama Ibado Charity, which stepped in as a lifeline.

“Mama Ibado has really helped me,” Abdul says, his voice filled with gratitude. “Every month, I receive flour, rice, sugar, cooking oil, tea leaves, and milk. They have really helped me. May God bless Mama Ibado Charity, for they have shown us kindness.”