Jafetha Sofia Anyona

Jafetha Sofia Anyona was born in Maondo village, Kakamega, in 1948. Tragically, she lost both of her parents as an infant and was lovingly taken in by her maternal grandmother. Growing up, Jafetha admired her grandmother, who was known in the village as a traditional doctor and herbalist. People came from far and wide with various ailments, seeking her grandmother’s wisdom and healing. Jafetha watched closely, learning the ways of herbal medicine and gradually discovering her own unique talent for healing.

When her grandmother passed away, Jafetha took it upon herself to continue her legacy. With patience and determination, she became a respected traditional healer in her community, charging Ksh. 500( CAD 5.57) for both consultations and treatments. In 1980, her life took a new turn when she fell in love with one of her patients. They married, and with his job as a gardener and her work as a healer, they managed to raise a family.

However, over time, Jafetha’s husband began to struggle with alcohol addiction, which took a toll on their household. He stopped working and spent all his savings on liquor. To support her children, Jafetha became a farmer, growing subsistence crops and selling them in the marketplace. Despite her hard work, she found it increasingly difficult to keep up with the physical demands of farming and market trips as she grew older. Eventually, she had to stop working.

Jafetha’s husband, though his health also deteriorated, continued cutting grass for Ksh. 50 (CAD 0.56) a day, but the money always went to the local moonshiner. Meanwhile, Jafetha found peace and purpose in her faith. She devoted her remaining energy to the church, helping with fund collection and supporting those less fortunate than herself.

Today, Jafetha receives vital support from Mama Ibado Charity, which has provided her with food and healthcare assistance. Through their program, Jafetha has been able to regain some stability in her life. Despite the challenges, she remains strong and continues to serve her community with the same generous spirit she learned from her grandmother. With your help, Mama Ibado Charity can continue to support seniors like Jafetha, ensuring they are cared for and valued in their later years.