PS rescues young Turkana herds boy

By Ally Jamah

Early this month, five-year-old Ikadeli Lubeyo from Nabeye, Turkana County gripped national attention when he was caught on camera sucking milk directly from goats to stay alive.

But on Wednesday, he was comfortably sipping fresh milk from a cup in Nairobi at the boardroom of the Ministry of Livestock Development, thanks to Permanent Secretary Kenneth Lusaka who came to his rescue.

Livestock Permanent Secretary Kenneth Lusaka with five-year-old Ikadeli Lubeyo from Turkana who he has vowed to educate to the highest level. Photo: Collins Kweyu/Standard

"When I saw that child on TV, my heart was touched deeply. I decided to pay for his education to the highest level. This boy needs a chance in life just like any other Kenyan children," he said.

The young herder arrived in Nairobi, on Wednesday, accompanied by his father Peter Lubeyo to receive the good news of a bright future ahead.

He proudly clutched the paraphernalia he used to herd the family goats, although he didn’t speak because he understands only his first language, Turkana.

In the video clip screened by a local TV station, Ikadeli was seen moving from one goat to another and grabbing their hind legs before sucking on the teats to get milk and quench his hunger.

"We didn’t have any other food at that time. We only survived on goat milk from morning to evening. Once in a while we could eat maize, " said Ikadeli’s father.

Home environment

A happy Lubeyo, an impoverished father of three children, could not conceal his gratitude at the sudden turn of fortunes of his first born as he faced their benefactor.

"I have no words to say in thanking the PS for his gesture. I thank God for touching his heart. He has saved us from suffering in taking up responsibility of educating and clothing my son," he beamed.

The PS said that after seeing the boy on TV, he immediately called officials of his ministry in Turkana to trace him and bring him to Nairobi.

"‘This is my way of showing thanks to God for all his blessings. I want this boy to get a good education and uplift his community. I know he will go far," added the PS proudly

Efforts have now begun to look for a boarding school for the child within Turkana, with special care being taken to avoid uprooting him suddenly from his home environment.

He has not yet began school and his father, who dropped out at Standard Eight, admitted that he may not have taken him to school due to lack of money.