Wanje Kaingll – A face in the Community

Wanje is our local tailor and lives approximately a 3 minute walk from our house. He is 30 years old and was born and raised in Mtwapa a 15 minute drive towards the north coast. He was raised in a family of 9 (7 brothers and 2 sisters). He completed up to year 9 of education and studies English as his father said it was important.

As is customary, each adult attempted to find work but his father was more successful. His father went to school as was a certified cook and worked in different hotels and his mother had a few odd jobs and she stayed home to raise the children. They had some small animals (goats and chickens) as well as coconuts that they would eat as well as sell for money. Wanje’s parents died when he was 22 years old. It became difficult to remain in Mtwapa and he moved to Mombasa to find work.

A religious helper, named Father Glory, took Wanje under to support him. Wanje’s trade and skill he learned was sewing. Father Glory was able to purchase/locate a machine for him and at that point he set up a small shop. He currently works and lives under the same small structure.

Wanje married, without paper as it is too costly, Mary and has two children – Ester 3 years old and John 1 year old. His family remains in Mary’s home area of Ganze ( 6 hours away) and he is waiting to have them come live in Mombasa when he saves enough money. This is very difficut as to hem a pair a pants he charges 20-40 Kenyan Shillings, which is about 35 cents.

He is very religious and believes devotedly that God is his “guard and savior.” He regularly praises and gives thanks for all his blessings. He knows many friends as well as a brother who has died of AIDS and wishes that is would not be so deadly. His other wish is for his family to be able to live together and have a ‘good life.’