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| Kipchumba to the rescue by his deskmate |
It has been one year since journalist John Macharia rescued Erick Kipchumba from the streets of Baringo. Collage of Kipchumba, the day he was rescued from the streets, and his current appearance. Macharia and Kipchumba were desk mates at Shimoni Primary School in Eldama Ravine many years ago. How did Erick Kipchumba become street boy? However, the latter lost direction at some point in life, sank into substance use, and became a street boy. His unkempt appearance and dishevelled state starkly contrasted with the bright-eyed student he once was. For many years, he endured a life of hardship, battling homelessness and hopelessness, uncertain of what the future held. When Macharia learned of his childhood friend’s plight, he made a difference by rehabilitating him. What is Kipchumba’s next step in life? He offered not only a helping hand but also a lifeline. Together, they embarked on a journey of transformation. In a heartwarming turn of events, the 34-year-old has gotten his life back on track and is hopeful about the future. Macharia told TUKO.co.ke that Kipchumba had completed computer and driving courses.
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“Since he’s now equipped with essential digital skills, he will enrol for a diploma in ICT next,” he said. The kindhearted man is glad that through their reunion, he turned shame into action, proving that compassion and friendship can change lives. What went wrong for Erick Kipchumba? TUKO.co.ke previously reported that things started going wrong for Kipchumba when he was in Form 3 as he developed mental problems and dropped out of school. Since then, the once brilliant young man lost direction and slumped into the world of homelessness and substance use until Macharia resurfaced in his life. Macharia, a Baringo-based journalist, usually ran into his former classmate whenever he visited the village. He felt wrong about his state, so he started a project meant to uplift his life. He managed to take him off the streets. In March 2024, Macharia enrolled Kipchumba to college to pursue a dream that had stalled over 12 years ago. He had started an IT specialist dream but left it midway.
by Hillary Lisimba
