It was a moment of joy and tears in Kisumu County after a family reunited with their son, who went missing at the age of 4, around their residence in Kibera slums, Nairobi.
Jacob Odhiambo, initially named Peter Okiki, disappeared in Kibera and was later left in Migori Town. He was picked up by a lady who travelled with him to Kisumu in the company of another boy, only to be abandoned at the bus station.
Jacob lived in the hands of a stranger after being abandoned in Kisumu for a few days, and then ended up in a children’s remand home, where he lived until class four.
He was later taken in by St. Philip’s Neri Children’s Home, where he was housed until he eventually managed to reunite with his parents after a long search.
Parents reaction
Speaking after the miraculous reunion, David Okiki, Jacob’s father, stated that he endured a long and painful search but failed to locate his missing son. It was only after a close relative got wind of his whereabouts that they managed to trace him.
A teary father explained that his son’s disappearance had caused them nightmares and so much pain to the point of affecting their health.
Her mother, Lilian Atieno, also confirmed that their life has not been easy, but she was elated after finding their long-lost firstborn son.
Children’s home manager
Speaking after successfully reuniting them, Vincent Ochieng, program manager at St. Philip’s Neri Children’s Home, noted that it was not an easy task to trace his real parents.
Ochieng detailed that he engaged various government agencies to find a solution regarding Jacob’s case.
However, after ending the search, Ochieng vowed to provide the much-needed support to ensure he is properly reintegrated with the family.
As part of reintegration, Ochieng promised to continue visiting the family routinely until Jacob completes high school.