Tabitha Wamanthalmaina

The next woman we visit, Tabitha Wamanthalmaina, is the most reticent. Born in the 1940’s, she has always lived in this village. A widow, she cares for two of her grandchildren alone; their mother lives and works in Nairobi. Her other children are married and live elsewhere. She grows maize and beans and lets us know that she has only one surviving chicken. She is pleased with the solar lights we give her because she will be able to see and her grandchildren will be able to study. She has a beautifully sculpted face and allows Ray to photograph her, but she often holds a hand in front of her mouth. We learn from John that she has only a grade one education and is therefore shy to speak with us.