Why we chose not to remarry and raise our children as single fathers
Nakuru single fathers share on the highs and lows of raising their children alone.
Wycliffe Ombwaya has been a newspaper vendor for 26 years. His routine was simple: wake up every morning and sell newspapers to Nakuru residents who want to keep up with what is happening in the country.
But this was disrupted in 2004 when his wife died, leaving him with three children to look after.
He quickly had to take on the dual role of father and mother to his children.
"Everything was easy until I lost my wife in 2004, leaving me with three children whom I have managed to raise alone on the Sh200 I earn a day selling newspapers," said Mr Ombwaya.
Learning how to run a household was a challenge at first because, as a man, he says he left the running of the house to his late wife.
Not to mention that the newspaper vending business was not going well either.
"A few years ago, I used to earn Sh1,500 a day, but now things are not good. Despite the challenge of providing for my own family, I am the breadwinner and therefore have to do whatever it takes to ensure that my children do not lack and are happy, even if it means sacrificing my own comfort," he said.
He had to develop a new routine, from breakfast to getting them to school. Over the years, he says his children have grown into well-adjusted, responsible people. They learned the value of hard work and resilience from their father.
"I have not considered remarrying because to this day there is a part of my heart that still mourns for my wife, she was truly my better half, but there is no way I can change the will of God, but I can cherish the fruits of our love that she left for me to take care of," said Mr Ombwaya.
Jonah Njenga, on the other hand, found himself raising his children as a single father after being involved in an accident that left him with a broken arm.
Sadly, with his new condition, his wife, burdened by the sudden change in circumstances, made the heartbreaking decision to leave him.
"My daily life with a broken arm was difficult as I tried to adapt to my physical limitations while meeting the emotional needs of my children. As there was no work for me to do, I faced the double challenge of healing and caring for my children all by myself," said Jonah.
He notes that through laughter and tears, his strength and motivation to heal came from his children's smiles, despite the loneliness of being a single father.
"I earn my living from my day job as a bicycle mechanic, but after work, my time is reserved for my children. The sacrifices are many, but in the quiet moments I find fulfilment and a deep sense of purpose in being the anchor for my children," he said.