Kisumu: For 16-year-old Alvin Ochieng Onyango and his brother Joannes Omondi, aged 15, the death of their father in 2019 marked the beginning of a challenging journey, pushing them into premature adulthood. The sudden demise of their father, Stephen Onyango Msando, who was fatally struck by a vehicle on the Kisumu-Busia Road, left the siblings with the responsibility of caring for themselves and their younger brother, who is currently in grade five at Sidada Primary School.
According to Kenya News Agency, the children's mother, Claris Anyango Onyango, abandoned them shortly after their father's funeral, leaving them to fend for themselves. Initially, the boys sought refuge with relatives, but their stay was marred by hardship and mistreatment. Alvin recounted their struggle, explaining that they eventually returned to their home to live independently.
The boys faced another upheaval when their mother briefly reappeared in 2021, only to sell their father's assets and disappear again, leaving behind two additional young children under their care. Alvin managed to continue his education, completing primary school and briefly attending Nyabeda Secondary School before his mother vanished once more.
Despite these challenges, Alvin and Joannes remain hopeful for a chance to resume their education if they can find financial support. Joannes, currently working as a caretaker, expressed their aspirations to contribute positively to society through education.
Community leaders, including Sidada 'A' village elder Wilson Ogola Onyango and Dak Achana's CEO, Miss Lorine Omondi, have called for assistance from the government and well-wishers to help the siblings return to school. They emphasize the importance of supporting vulnerable children like Alvin and Joannes to prevent them from falling into crime due to lack of education and resources.
Sidada Primary School's head teacher, Kevin Ooko, highlighted the broader issue of poverty affecting students' ability to attend school regularly. He noted that the school's lunch program has been extended to include the boys' younger sibling, Neville Odhiambo, to ensure he receives at least one meal a day.
Ooko, along with other community members, urges organizations and individuals to extend their support to address the educational needs of children from disadvantaged backgrounds, emphasizing the need for a unified effort to tackle the rising number of school dropouts in the area.