Oklahoma Fire Leaves Kenyan Family Homeless as Mother Recovers from Major Surgery
A Kenyan family in Oklahoma is appealing for urgent support after a fire destroyed their home while the family’s matriarch continues to recover from serious health problems.
Mary Gathanga, widely known within the Kenyan diaspora as Mama Linda, has lived with severe arthritis for several years and recently underwent back surgery. Doctors have advised that she now requires operations on both knees before she can regain her mobility and independence. Unable to return to work, she has faced growing financial pressure as medical expenses continue to rise.
The family’s situation became even more difficult less than two weeks ago when a fire swept through the apartment building where Mary lived with her daughter and granddaughter. The blaze forced all three generations from their home, leaving them dependent on temporary accommodation while they search for permanent housing.
Friends and members of the Kenyan community in Oklahoma have rallied to support the family. They have described Mary’s circumstances as one of the most difficult they have encountered and are encouraging well-wishers to offer prayers, visit the family and make financial contributions. They say the support will help Mary continue her recovery, regain her independence and secure stable housing.
Mary’s daughter, Linda Wanjira, has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover medical bills, temporary accommodation and daily living expenses. In her appeal, she said the family is going through “an incredibly difficult season of life” and is seeking assistance to meet the increasing costs. She added that every donation, regardless of the amount, would directly support her mother’s recovery and the family’s stability.
The family has thanked everyone who has already offered assistance, saying the support and encouragement have helped them through a challenging period.
“Our family is deeply grateful for every act of kindness, every prayer and every word of encouragement. Thank you for standing with our family and helping my mother, Ms Mary, focus on healing and rebuilding,” Linda said.
Support for the family can be made through the following platforms:
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/609362872
Cash App: $Marywagithiinnocent
Zelle: Mary Gathanga – 4053619448
