Kibra residents yesterday witnessed an early Christmas miracle after the OmohFoundation CEO Nicholus Okach splashed millions of shillings on hundreds of families in what many described as one of the most generous festive gestures the area has seen in years.
From as early as 4am, long queues of Kibra residents flooded the CEO’s home, with women, youths, the elderly and persons living with disabilities patiently waiting for their turn to receive cash, food hampers and assorted household supplies. By sunrise, the line had stretched for several kilometres, snaking through narrow alleys as word spread across the densely populated informal settlement.
The atmosphere was electric. Songs, ululations and spontaneous prayers filled the air as residents praised the OmohFoundation CEO for remembering the poor during a season when many households struggle to put food on the table.
“I have never experienced this kind of Christmas,” said Mary Achieng, a mother of four from Lindi.
“School fees, rent and food have been weighing me down. Today, I am going home with hope. May God bless this man.”
Inside the compound, the CEO personally supervised the exercise, occasionally stepping out to greet residents, shake hands and listen to their stories. Foundation volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure order as beneficiaries received cash support and festive food packages, including flour, rice, cooking oil and sugar.
Speaking during the event, Okach said the initiative was driven by a desire to restore dignity and hope to families living in informal settlements.
“Christmas should not be a season of despair for the poor. It should be a time of joy, unity and sharing. Through OmohFoundation, we are committed to standing with the people of Kibra and ensuring no family is forgotten,” he said.
Residents described the CEO as approachable and compassionate, noting that unlike many leaders who only appear during campaign seasons, he has consistently supported community initiatives including youth empowerment, housing support and emergency assistance.
“This is not the first time he has helped us,” said Abdul Hassan, a boda boda rider.
“When floods destroyed our homes earlier this year, he was here. Today he is back again. This is leadership from the heart.”
Despite the massive turnout, the exercise remained peaceful, with foundation staff prioritising the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Community elders hailed the initiative as a timely intervention, especially with the rising cost of living.
“Many families in Kibra survive hand to mouth,” said elder Mzee Samuel Otieno. “This support will go a long way in ensuring children enjoy Christmas like others.”»
As dusk approached, the queues remained long, a clear sign of the overwhelming need within the settlement. Yet for many, the day had already changed their festive outlook.
“I was not sure my children would eat on Christmas Day,” said Agnes Wanjiku, holding a food parcel tightly. “Now I can smile again.”
The OmohFoundation CEO reiterated that the foundation would continue rolling out similar initiatives across other informal settlements, emphasizing that uplifting the vulnerable remains at the core of its mission.