Drama unfolded at St Ignatius Mukumu Boys High School in Kakamega County after a parent from Mumias reportedly vanished, leaving his son stranded upon learning of the school fees required for admission. Munyendo (l) scored 55 points in his Grade 9 exams and was called to Mukumu Boys. The father, who earns a living selling mukombero (ginger root), is said to have walked with his son from Mumias to Mukumu, a journey of roughly 45 kilometres. How many marks did Munyendo score? In an interview with TV47, Michael Munyendo, who scored 55 points in his Grade 9 exams, disclosed that they set off before dawn in the hopes of securing him a place at the prestigious school. “We left home together in the morning at around 5am and trekked all the way to school. We arrived at around midday,” the young man told the media. But shortly after their arrival, things took an unexpected turn. When school officials explained the amount needed for admission, the man is said to have quietly slipped away. “I turned to check what my dad had to say about the fees and he was nowhere,” the 15-year-old recounted. What does Munyendo’s father do for a living?
The incident has left teachers and fellow students in shock, and raised concern over the struggles many families face in trying to provide education for their children. The school principal confirmed that the boy’s father survives on selling mukombero, a trade that offers little financial stability and barely covers the family’s daily needs. “He is really trying, but the income is not enough to support school fees,” the principal explained. He appealed to the public and well-wishers to support the boy so that he can be admitted and continue his education without further distress.
As of the time of filing this report, the youngster was under temporary custody of the school as efforts to get him a scholarship continue. Members of the community are hoping that the father will be found and that the boy will receive the assistance he needs to begin his academic journey. An establishment photo of Mukumu Boys where Munyendo is to joinSocial media reactions Wycliffe Amadi “If you want to know what’s going on with many families, look at time like this for new school admissions.” Jairus Gakure “He is a responsible father. He did his best as long as the child reached in school which is a better place for him.” Blessed Lioness “It’s not funny. Rhings can get hard at times and you wonder how you can get out between a rock and a hard place. God, please intervene.”
By Hillary Lisimba
