Ishmael Chacha, a 21-year-old orphaned university student, has been reunited with his family just five days after his story was published in Nairobi News.
Chacha, who is studying computer science at Chuka University, had been searching for his mother's relatives after her death when he was three years old. He had been living with a friend's family in Buru Buru and was in need of financial support to continue his education.
The Reunion ¶
After the article about Chacha was published, it caught the attention of a number of Facebook users, including a policeman named Caleb Machera. Machera contacted Chacha and helped him connect with his relatives, including an aunt named Fatuma Mwanaidi Musa who lives in Mombasa.
Chacha has since met with several of his relatives, including his step-aunt, step-grandmother, and an uncle named Sadat Mansoor. He has also learned more about his mother's death, which occurred in 1996 in Namayigo, Uganda.
Chacha's reunion with his family has been emotional, with many tears shed during their meetings. He has also been showered with gifts, including chickens, and has been given a place to live in Mombasa by his step-aunt Fatuma.
Background ¶
Chacha's father, Tobias Motongori, was a General Service Unit officer who died in 2003. Chacha had more information about his father's side of the family, but had been struggling to find his mother's relatives.
The Catholic Church sponsored Chacha's studies up to Standard Eight, and he later won a scholarship to New Dawn Orphans' School in Laikipia. He is now set to start his third year at Chuka University.
Chacha's story highlights the power of media in reconnecting families and providing support to those in need. As he prepares to return to university, Chacha is grateful to have finally found his family and is looking forward to continuing his education with their support.
The recovered account cited reporting by Nation.
