In a recent interview with NTV on November 23, 2023, Raila Odinga’s fervent supporter, Nuru Okanga, provided insights into his challenging childhood that led to his premature departure from school over two decades ago. Okanga, now 32 years old, disclosed that he left school during class three due to the untimely death of his father. With multiple wives and numerous children in the family, his mother struggled to juggle the responsibilities of education and providing sustenance for the family. Okanga expressed that despite his young age at the time, he was a bright student, a fact that deeply moved his school head teacher, who shed tears witnessing his departure.
According to Okanga, he approached the school principal, detailing his predicament and seeking assistance. However, owing to the substantial financial burden posed by his large family, there was limited support available. His departure from school, triggered by the inability to afford a uniform and books in class three, left a lasting impact on the school head teacher, illustrating the challenges faced by many children in pursuing education in the face of financial constraints.
Despite the hardships he faced in his early years, Okanga has become an advocate for education and a vocal supporter of Raila Odinga. Recent unverified reports suggest that Okanga, who claims to have sat for the 2023 KCPE exams at Mumias Muslim Primary School in Kakamega County, scored an impressive 401 out of 500 marks. His journey from a challenging childhood to potentially excelling academically highlights the resilience of individuals in the face of adversity and the transformative power of education.
Nuru Okanga’s personal narrative sheds light on the difficulties many children face in pursuing education in resource-constrained environments. His story underscores the importance of addressing systemic challenges to ensure that all children have equal opportunities to access education, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds. Okanga’s journey, from leaving school in class three to potentially achieving high marks in the KCPE exams, serves as an inspiration for the pursuit of education despite significant obstacles.
