An Eldoret-based lawyer, Wakili Geoffrey Okara, has donated a van to his former primary school, St. Gabriel Mirere Comprehensive School in Matungu Constituency. The vehicle is expected to ease logistics and improve the movement of teachers and pupils within and around the school.
Wakili Okara, fondly known in his community as “Wakili,” is an alumnus of Mirere Comprehensive, having completed his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) there in the year 2000, where he performed exceptionally well.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, which coincided with the school’s prayer day for Grade 6 and Grade 9 candidates, the lawyer said his continued support for education stems from a desire to uplift his community and transform lives.
“A few months ago, I hosted a delegation from Mirere Primary in Eldoret for an academic exposure visit. During our discussions, the school administration mentioned that since its establishment in the mid-1990s, the school had never owned any form of transport. They requested that I consider getting them a motorcycle to help with small errands,” he said.
“However, instead of a motorcycle, I decided to get them a van, which I believe will have a greater impact on the school and the surrounding community,” he added.
With this donation, Mirere Comprehensive becomes the first public primary school in Matungu Constituency to own a van — and possibly the only one with a vehicle fleet.
During the event, Wakili Okara also took time to encourage the candidates preparing for their national exams to remain focused, disciplined, and prayerful.
“Put God first in everything you do, and you will succeed. The journey may seem long, but with faith and hard work, your dreams are valid,” he told the students.
In addition to the van, the lawyer also donated KSh 100,000 to support the school’s feeding program for exam candidates. He further provided 50 kilograms of rice and 20 liters of cooking oil to ensure the learners are well-fed during the exam period.
The school’s headteacher, Mr. Shadrack Oruko, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the generous gesture.
“I am personally humbled, ndugu Wakili. When the history of Mirere Comprehensive School is written, your name will feature prominently. You have shown that success is not about forgetting where you came from but about lifting others as you rise,” said Mr. Oruko.
The ceremony was attended by several headteachers from primary schools across Matungu, as well as Mrs. Mildred Shileche, the Chief Principal of Mirere Senior School, who lauded Wakili Okara’s commitment to education.
The event also featured a special mass presided over by Father John Bosco of Ejinja Parish, who blessed the vehicle and prayed for the success of the candidates.
Wakili Okara concluded by announcing that he plans to extend the same support to two more schools in Matungu next year, each set to receive a van. He also urged parents to remain close to their children during the upcoming December holidays.
“Many pupils get distracted or influenced during the long holidays. Parents should be more involved and guide their children to stay on the right path,” he advised.
The day ended with cheers, songs, and heartfelt appreciation from the school community, as Mirere Comprehensive marked a new milestone in its journey of growth and transformation.
