Jilo Abdullahi’s life has been marked by incredible hardship and resilience. As the eldest, she lost her mother at a young age and became the caretaker for her seven younger siblings. With an absent father, Jilo had no choice but to rely on her courage to survive. She went door to door, begging for food, but was often met with rejection and scorn from neighbors. Desperate, an older man proposed marriage, but Jilo refused, unwilling to marry for financial reasons. However, the elders of her community coerced her into accepting, and she soon found herself in a violent marriage. Not long after, the Kenyan military engaged in conflict with the Shifta militia, and Jilo and her husband were taken to a concentration camp. There, they endured food poisoning from expired products. Despite these challenges, Jilo and her husband managed to escape under the cover of night, using two wandering cows as shields. They fled to Garissa, where they stayed for five years until peace was restored. Upon returning to Isiolo, they built a simple home, but Jilo's husband later passed away, leaving her with children scattered and a son born with mental instability. Jilo’s life took another difficult turn when inter-clan conflicts forced her to leave Garbatulla and seek safety in Isiolo Town. Unable to continue small-scale farming due to her age, she struggled to make ends meet. In this time of need, Mama Ibado Charity became a lifeline. The charity enrolled Jilo in their senior’s feeding program, providing her with essential food rations. They also ensured her well-being with housing support and medical assistance, covering her NHIF contributions for treatment at Alfalah Medical Center. Today, Jilo credits Mama Ibado Charity for improving her quality of life, offering her dignity and support in her later years. However, her journey is ongoing, and continued support can make a world of difference, ensuring she lives her remaining years with comfort and care.
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