Gift Osinya has graduated from Scott Christian University with a degree in Information Technology, eleven years after surviving one of Kenya’s most shocking terror attacks.
On March 23, 2014, armed militants stormed Joy Jesus Repentance Church in Likoni, Mombasa, where six worshippers were killed, among them Gift’s mother.
Against All Odds
In the chaos, Gift’s younger brother, Satrine, was shot in the head.
Gift, who was 13 years then, carried his bleeding brother out of the church, an image that captured national attention due to his courage amid the deadly terror attack.
The attack left the brothers orphaned and in critical need of care.
They were both taken to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi after the Likoni church attack and a team of neurosurgeons successfully removed a bullet lodged in Satrine’s head.
Both brothers received critical care before being discharged weeks later.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko adopted them, pledging to provide a stable home and education.
This promise by the former governor became the foundation of Gift’s bright future.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media on Facebook and Instagram, Sonko celebrated Gift’s achievement, stating that nothing is impossible with the help of God.
“See God. The God of miracles. The God of second chances. The same God who held Gift and Satrine when darkness tried to swallow them. Today, Gift Osinya graduates from Scott Christian University — a moment only God could write.”
Sonko stated that he will still continue supporting the orphans to endure they achieve their dreams by paying for their education.
“Gift, my son — we are proud. This is just the beginning. God’s hand is on you, and every dream He placed in you will come to pass.”
Gift Osinya’s Ambitions
Gift Osinya is currently interning at Diamond Trust Bank’s headquarters, applying his IT skills in a professional setting.
Thanks to Sonko’s generosity and kind heart, Gift has achieved the significant milestone of working in a corporate environment, a complete turnaround for a young man whose life was once marked by uncertainty.
Gift plans to pursue a Master’s degree at Brighton University in the United Kingdom, stating that he is aiming to excel globally in the technology world.
Throughout his journey, Gift has credited faith and perseverance for his progress.
In interviews, he has spoken about using education as a tool to rebuild his life and inspire others facing adversity.
Gift’s bravery during the Likoni attack earned him the Jubilee Insurance Samaritan Award in 2020.
The image of Gift carrying his injured brother became a defining moment in Kenya’s fight against terror, and it was widely shared across media platforms, sparking conversations on resilience and unity.
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Leaders, clergy, and ordinary citizens rallied to support the boys, turning their story into a beacon of hope.
A Figure of Hope
Over the years, Kenyans have followed his progress with admiration, viewing his story as proof that adversity can be overcome through determination and support.
Mike Sonko has consistently celebrated Gift Osinya and his younger brother Satrine in very public ways, turning their milestones into national talking points.
Sonko has shared updates on Gift’s progress at every stage, from scoring 399 marks in KCPE in 2018 to completing KCSE with a B- in 2021.
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He often accompanied these posts with photos and generous pledges, such as Ksh 399,000 for KCPE success and a Ksh 2 million education fund.
Sonko regularly posts heartfelt messages on social media during their birthdays, calling them his sons and emphasizing how far they have come since the Likoni attack.
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