Mary Akiyara Mero's life took a dramatic turn when she found solace in khat, a stimulant that offered a temporary escape from the harsh realities surrounding her. Wrapped around her left wrist is a string tied to a small bottle containing sugar. She would periodically pour the sugar into her palm, using it to neutralize the lingering bitterness from the green leaves she chewed. Khat became a part of her routine, offering a brief respite from the deep, personal pain and loss she had endured. Mary first turned to khat two decades ago, when an intertribal war erupted in Isiolo. The region was torn apart as the Cushitic and Nilotic communities clashed, driven by an insatiable desire for land. Amidst the chaos, Mary noticed her neighbors chewing bundles of green leaves, staying alert and awake, their heightened senses enabling them to escape the conflict and seek refuge in the forest. It was during these trying times that Mary was introduced to khat. Though the war ended in 2001, the underlying issues were never resolved, and in 2012, another wave of violence erupted. This time, Mary’s husband—an ex-police officer whose legs had been ravaged by years of service on the border—was left behind in their home. Mary, fearing for his safety, locked him in the house and fled to the outskirts of their settlement. During the dark nights, she would sneak back to bring him food, demonstrating her unwavering love and devotion. When the fighting ceased under government intervention a month later, Mary returned home, only to lose her husband to tuberculosis in 2021. Along with his death, Mary lost the pension they had relied on. With no steady income, Mary turned to khat as a means to cope with her loss and the harshness of life. She would spend most evenings chewing the leaves provided by her youthful neighbors, escaping into the haze they brought. However, thing began to gradually change when Mary came into contact with Mama Ibado Charity. The charity enrolled her in their senior’s feeding program, providing her with regular food rations and a new sense of belonging. She slowly reduced her dependency on khat to numb her pain. Through Mama Ibado’s support, Mary began engaging more with her community, participating in local activities, and rediscovering a purpose she thought she had lost. The charity not only provided her with food but also introduced her to a network of people who cared for her well-being, making her feel valued once again. Mary found strength in the connections she’s built and the support she receives from Mama Ibado Charity. She would love your support as she further walks into her later years.
