Dorcas Wafula, a Form 4 student at Cardinal Otunga Girls High School in Bungoma, was at risk of missing her final exams after being removed from the Bungoma Scholarship Program.
Wafula’s scholarship, which was part of a free education initiative by former Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, was terminated when Governor Kenneth Lusaka assumed office.
According to her mother, Jemima Jeredinah, no communication was provided by the County Government regarding the removal, leaving Wafula’s education in jeopardy due to unpaid school fees.
Jeredinah, a vegetable vendor, made multiple appeals for assistance, including reaching out to area MP John Makali and MCA Jeremiah Kuloba, but received no help.
The situation took a turn when Eric Kibaba, a family neighbor from Sinoko area in Township Ward, contacted Wepukhulu Foundation Patron Wycliffe Wepukhulu for support.
In response, the foundation provided Ksh5,000 to cover the immediate balance and committed to clearing the remaining fees. Additionally, Mr. Wepukhulu arranged for necessary school supplies for Wafula.
Jeridinah expressed profound gratitude to Mr. Wepukhulu, noting that his intervention was the only help her daughter received amidst her desperate search for support.
“I want to express my humility to Mr. Wycliffe Wepukhulu for his ardent support despite ambushing him for help. I can’t thank him enough,” she said as tears occupied her eyes.
The Wepukhulu Foundation, known for its community service in Kanduyi Constituency, has recently been active in various charitable initiatives, including providing lesos (sheets) to initiates during the Bukusu circumcision season.
The Foundation has also been supporting needy patients as well as grieved families during funerals.