Baringo Journalist Emotional As Former Classmate He Rescued From Streets Attends His Graduation

• Journalist John Macharia is celebrating his graduation from the ICS College, a ceremony that was more than meets the eye
• The event celebrated not only his academic achievement but also served as inspiration for his former classmate Eric Kipchumba, whom he rescued from the streets in August
• Kipchumba disclosed that he was looking forward to being the next one wearing a gown, a contrast to the hopeless man he was before the rehabilitation

Baringo journalist John Macharia just graduated from the ICS College in a ceremony held at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi, a milestone that Eric Kipchumba was happy to be part of.

This is attributed to the fact that Macharia's academic achievement offers hope to Kipchumba, whose life was in the doldrums just months ago.

Kipchumba lived on streets

For many years, the 34-year-old lived on the streets in Baringo, wasting away after dropping out of school and getting into substance use.

Kipchumba was unkempt, hopeless, and resigned to fate, unsure of what the future looked like for him until Macharia showed up.

The media personality offered to help get the young man off the streets as the two were desk mates at Shimoni Primary School in Eldama Ravine many years ago.

“It's extremely sad to see your classmate looking that dishevelled. It even makes me ashamed whenever people remind me about his case,” he told TUKO.co.ke in an earlier interview.

Kipchumba set to join college

Four months since Macharia embarked on the mission, he has transformed Kipchumba into a gentleman bursting with hope and big dreams.

Macharia's graduation was, therefore, more than an academic achievement; it also celebrated friendship, resilience, and the transformative power of compassion.

The journalist told TUKO.co.ke his friend was happy for him and expressed his wish to be the next person in the graduation gown.

"He is doing well, improving in health and interacting well with people. He is set to join college in March 2024," he disclosed.

Where it all started

Kipchumba's life lost direction when he was in Form 3 as he developed mental problems and dropped out of school.

Since then, the world watched as the once brilliant young man slumped into an abyss of homelessness.

The sad state of affairs made Macharia intervene and assist his former deskmate in getting back on track.

During the transformation period, Kipchumba revealed that he was interested in pursuing a course in IT, which is what the Good Samaritan enrolled him for.