30 years later, man abandoned in lodging seeks to find parents

According to available records, Njuguna was born in June 1995 and abandoned at a lodging facility in Kayole, Nairobi, when he was four months old. [James Wanzala, Standard]

Peter Njuguna was abandoned in Nairobi as an infant more than 30 years ago. Despite extensive efforts by Kenya Children’s Home (KCH), formerly known as Thomas Barnardo House, where he has lived for years, his biological parents have never been traced.

According to available records, Njuguna was born in June 1995 and abandoned at a lodging facility in Kayole, Nairobi, when he was four months old.

“It is believed that his parents were travelling from Mombasa and had checked into the lodging before leaving the infant behind,” said Lilian Nabwire, a social worker at the children’s home.

She added: “Njuguna was rescued by police officers from Buruburu Police Station and taken to Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital for medical examination and treatment. After being medically examined and cleared, he was admitted to Kenya Children’s Home on October 11, 1995 for care and protection.”

Nabwire said the placement was later formalised by the Children’s Court through a committal order dated June 21, 1996, under Committal Case No. 200 of 1996. The order committed Njuguna to KCH, where he continued to receive care and support.

According to Nabwire, Njuguna experienced delayed growth and developmental milestones from infancy. He was also noted to have an asymmetrical head shape and suffered from recurrent seizures, which required ongoing medical attention and monitoring.

According to available records, Njuguna was born in June 1995 and abandoned at a lodging facility in Kayole, Nairobi, when he was four months old. [James Wanzala, Standard]

During his stay at KCH, he received holistic care and protection, including food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, education and psychosocial support.

“He was enrolled at Jonathan Gloag Academy, where he attended preschool before progressing to primary school,” said Nabwire.

She added: “While in primary school, it became apparent that Njuguna experienced significant learning difficulties that affected his academic progress. He subsequently underwent a comprehensive educational assessment at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), which established that Peter had an intellectual disability and recommended vocational and practical skills training rather than following the conventional academic curriculum.”

Following this recommendation, he was enrolled in a vocational training programme, where he acquired practical, social and daily living skills to promote independence and improve his ability to participate meaningfully in the community.

According to Nabwire, KCH made continuous efforts to trace his biological parents and extended family members, but all were unsuccessful. The efforts involved follow-ups with relevant authorities, reviews of available records and other tracing mechanisms.

“Despite these interventions, no information leading to the identification or location of Njuguna’s biological parents or relatives has been obtained,” said Nabwire.

Over the years, she added, Njuguna has expressed a desire to know his biological parents, origins and family background.

However, all previous efforts to trace Njuguna’s family have been unsuccessful. Given his persistent desire to understand his identity and family history, KCH has turned to the media to widen the search.

“We hope that through your support and public outreach, Njuguna’s biological parents or relatives may be identified. The objective is to reunite him with his family, if located, and allow him to understand his roots and develop a stronger sense of identity and belonging,” Nabwire said.

She said KCH remained committed to safeguarding Njuguna’s welfare and exploring all possible avenues to establish his family connections and support his continued well-being.