Vincent Mwachi has made history as the first person from Western Kenya to win the UN peace ambassador award 2019. Mwachi will definitely get a sense of satisfaction after trying to scoop the award in his 25 years of service in a non-governmental organization.
Mwachi is a living example of a self-sacrificial life for the benefit of those who are less privileged in the society.
An interview with Mr.Mwachi tracing back to the early 2000s, during clashes in Mt.Elgon, where he dedicated his life to try and bring peace to the region through religious leaders in a mission that seemed successful to him.
Later on during the 2008 post-election violence Mwachi took it upon himself to house over 450 women and children who had been displaced by the then ongoing clashes in his home in Munyanya Village, 3 Kilometres from Kakamega town.
Life was not easy for Mr. Mwachi, who was forced to sell his personal car to cater for the 450 families he provided shelter for. “I used to walk to the markets to collect food from passionate Samaritans then feed the families back home,” he said.
Recalling how he settled for a desire of peaceful coexistence, he said his father was polygamous and used to cause all sorts of trouble for his family. When he wa s13 he got a serious leg injury as he attempted to reconcile his hostile father and mother in front of surprised relatives.
Mwachi is expected to receive the medal for peace ambassador on 21st of September, and he intends to use the award to boost his Mwachi Foundation by bringing in many donors, in a move aimed at reaching many less privileged in the society.