ETARUKOT MUHAMED WANDAKE

Etarukot Muhamed Wandake was born on January 1, 1944, in Luwakhakha, Bungoma County, and grew up in a large family as one of ten children. During his childhood, he attended school until Class Four, but his education came to an end because his parents lacked the money to pay for further studies. Following his time in school, he stayed in his village performing manual labor, such as tilling land for others, to earn a small income since his parents were unemployed and the family struggled to maintain their home.

Seeking better opportunities, he traveled to Uganda where he worked transporting people on buses. However, due to the conflict between Tanzania and Uganda, he fled and arrived in Kakamega in 1975. Initially, he had no relatives to turn to, but a kind watchman took him in and helped him secure a job as a watchman at a local shop.

Having learned to drive in Uganda, he eventually transitioned from being a watchman to a bus conductor and then a professional driver, transporting passengers between Kakamega and Nairobi. His career as a driver was cut short when he developed ulcers and underwent surgery; his doctor advised him to stop driving manual buses as the physical strain would harm his recovery. Consequently, he returned home and became dependent on his wife, who took over as the primary provider through her small business.

Life became very difficult as the family struggled to afford both housing and food. This cycle of hardship led Muhamed to encounter the Mama Ibado Charity, which has significantly stabilized his life. Through the seniors feeding program, he receives essential supplies including rice, maize flour, and cooking oil, which sustain his household during times when he has no income.

Beyond the food, he benefits from healthcare support and visits the clinic every Thursday for a regular check-up to monitor his condition. He married his wife from Maragoli in 1977, and together they have five children.

Although his children are grown, they lack formal employment and work as casual laborers in construction, which leaves them unable to provide consistent financial support for their parents. He is deeply grateful for this assistance and prays that the organization continues to be blessed so they can keep helping those in need.

Muhamed continues to need help because his health condition prevents him from returning to work, and without the food and medical care provided by Mama Ibado, he and his family would face severe hunger and poor health.