Mpapayio has two mothers

Who is Mpapayio?

Mpapayio is 6 years old and lives in Kenya. He goes to preschool and likes to play soccer. Mpapayio's mother is very sick and the medicines she needs are expensive. His family is very poor. His parents have a hard time taking care of Mpapayio and his siblings.

Who is Mom Penninah?

In the same village where Mpapayio and his family live, his mother Penninah lives a short distance away. When Mama Penninah found out that Mpapayio's biological mother was very sick, she offered to help and take care of Mpapayio. Mpapayio then went to live with Mommy Penninah.

-"I now have two mothers," says Mpapayio.

When Mpapayio first moved to his mom Penninah's house, he was not used to it and it felt strange. But now he is happy at home with his mom Penninah.

- My mom Penninah is nice. She gives me food and everything I need. I wouldn't get that at home. I have two homes and two moms. But only one father.

Mommy Penninah and Mpapayio helping out

During the day, Mpapayio goes to school. He is in preschool class. Mpapayio also helps his mother Penninah at home with chores.

- He can herd the goats home in the evening and see if any goat is missing. He helps me milk the goats and he runs errands.

Mommy Penninah means a lot to Mpapayio and Penninah means a lot to Mpapyio too.

-Every child has the same value and needs the same amount of love. When he lives here, I am not alone and Mpapayio gets what he needs. We help each other.He often goes to his mom's house to see how she is doing. It's good for him to have two moms," says mom Penninah with a smile.

This text was originally published on February 1, 2021.