There were moments of emotion, hope, and inspiration as hundreds of 2025 KCSE candidates from the ACK Mumias Diocese gathered for a life-changing mentorship session led by one of Kenya’s most remarkable motivational speakers and the blind Captain Daniel Odongo.
The colorful event, hosted by the Anglican Diocese of Mumias under the leadership of Bishop Joseph Wandera, also brought together renowned lawyer and former presidential candidate Prof. George Wajackoya, Diocesan Youth Director Rev. Billy Wetoto, clergy, teachers, and students preparing to join universities in September.
Captain Daniel Odongo delivered a deeply moving testimony that left many students inspired. Born blind and raised in a rural village where opportunities for children living with disabilities were scarce, he narrated the pain, rejection, and hardships that defined his childhood. He explained that he started school late because of his visual impairment and faced countless obstacles before eventually joining Kibos School for the Blind.
Despite the challenges, Odongo refused to surrender to circumstances. Through determination and resilience, he excelled academically, scoring 351 marks in KCPE before proceeding to Thika School for the Blind and later joining Kenyatta University to study Mathematics and Geography.
Although administrative challenges prevented him from graduating in 2017, Captain Odongo refused to let disappointment define his future. A flight to Mombasa ignited an unexpected passion for aviation. What many considered impossible for a blind person became his dream.
With support from Mama Ngina Kenyatta, he enrolled in aviation training at Wilson Airport, a journey that transformed his life and established him as a celebrated blind aviator and motivational speaker.
Addressing the students, Captain Odongo urged them never to allow their backgrounds, disabilities, failures, or circumstances to determine their destiny.
“You can become anything you desire if you remain focused, disciplined, and determined. Your greatest limitation is not your condition but your mindset,” he told the students.
His powerful message challenged the young people to dream fearlessly, embrace hard work, and remain steadfast even when life presents setbacks.
Prof. George Wajackoya also inspired the students by sharing his own extraordinary journey from a difficult childhood as a street boy to becoming an internationally recognized lawyer, scholar, and presidential candidate. He emphasized that success begins with knowing God and understanding one’s purpose in life.
“Always put God first. Know who you are, whose you are, and never stop investing in yourself,” Prof. Wajackoya advised.
Bishop Joseph Wandera thanked Captain Daniel Odongo for accepting the invitation to mentor the youth, describing him as a living testimony that disability is never inability.
“We are privileged to have Captain Daniel with us. His story reminds our young people that no dream is too big and no challenge is too great when one has faith, determination, and perseverance,” said Bishop Wandera.
The Bishop reaffirmed the Diocese’s commitment to nurturing holistic education across its institutions, noting that the church manages 66 comprehensive schools and 45 senior schools. He emphasized that strengthening school leadership, Boards of Management, and chaplaincy remains central to producing responsible and transformative leaders.
As the mentorship session came to an end, the students left with renewed confidence, inspired by two remarkable men whose lives prove that adversity can become the foundation of greatness. Captain Daniel Odongo’s journey from darkness to the skies stood as a powerful reminder that courage, faith, and resilience can lift anyone beyond the limits imposed by circumstance.
