Baringo Man Embarks On Mission To Transform Former Deskmate Run Down By Life, Living On Streets

• John Macharia and Eric Kipchumba were primary school deskmates who shared not just friendship but also dreams and ambitions
• However, their lives took different turns when the latter developed mental issues, dropped out of school, and has been living on the streets
• It is a sad state of affairs that touched Macharia's heart, so much that he embarked on a mission to get him off the streets and rebuild his life

Baringo journalist John Macharia and 34-year-old Eric Kipchumba were desk mates at Shimoni Primary School in Eldama Ravine back then.

However, life for Kipchumba did not take the direction when he was in Form 3 as he developed mental problems and dropped out of school.

Since then, the once brilliant young man has lost direction and slumped into the world of homelessness and substance use.

Macharia bothered by Kipchumba's state

It is a sad state of affairs that made Macharia decide to intervene and assist the young man get back on track.

He told TUKO.co.ke that every time he visits the village and runs into the friend, his heart sinks to see him in such a poor state.

“It's extremely sad to see your classmate looking that disheveled. It even makes me ashamed whenever people remind me about his case,” he said.

It is for this reason that Macharia started a project meant to uplift Kipchumba's life and take him off the streets.

New chance at life

In photos shared by the scribe, the two schoolmates can be seen together as Macharia bought new clothes for Kipchumba.

He explained that the first step was to change his outlook so that he stops looking hopeless, which is why he started with giving him a new wardrobe.

"Given that he has been an orphan since way back when we were in school, I'll ask permission from relatives to take him with me to Nairobi and help him," he continued.

As of the time of writing this article, Macharia had sent a request to Kipchumba's family members seeking permission to help the man he once shared a desk, dreams and aspirations with.

He hopes that the move will provide the man with a second chance at life, adding that life's twists and turns can affect anyone, which call for us to lend a helping hand to those in need.