Our Team
In the Community
Getao Kenothea, Co-Founder and Peer Recovery Coach
After he was abandoned as a small child, Getao’s life was filled with trauma, deprivation, and violence. For years, Getao swung between times of drugs and crime and spells of imprisonment. But he longed to have caring people in his life, and in his late twenties realized he was ready for a change. “Bad things happen to people who do bad things,” he reasoned. “And good things come to those who do good.” Since then, Getao has made it his life’s mission to use his lived experience and his passion for helping to work with the marginalized and stigmatized people of Kawangware.
Esther Waithera, Co-Founder and Peer Educator
Esther specializes in working with vulnerable women. As a child, Esther was sex trafficked by a predatory teacher, a deeply traumatic experience that led her into a life of drug and alcohol use, and sex work. But Esther has moved past those tragic days and today is the proud mother of four young boys. She is known in Kawangware as a trusted peer educator who uses her compassion and wisdom to help local women who are still involved with alcohol, drugs, and sex work.
John Mbugua, Peer
John left his community in Central Kenya as a young man to find work in Nairobi. After a friend introduced him to cigarettes laced with heroin, John spent more than two decades living on the streets as a substance user. But last year, John connected with the staff of Badilika Uishi and has since stopped using drugs. Today, John is a Peer staff member.
Paul Nganga Njuna – in memorium
After more than 27 years living on the streets, Paul had stopped using drugs, and had become a valued member of the Badilika Uishi team, helping those in the local community live a life of dignity and safety.
Paul tragically died on January 1, 2025. His story is an inspiration to many and we miss him greatly. He was a good man.
Behind the Scenes
Jeremie Onyango, Board Member
Jeremie is a Kenyan documentary photographer, storyteller, and community development advocate hailing from Kibera, a nearby unincorporated settlement on the outskirts of central Nairobi. As a photographer, Jeremie uses his community development background and his ability to connect with people to showcase his subjects’ strength, resiliency and dignity. Jeremie was first introduced to Badilika Uishi through his photography work.
Naomi Weinstein, Volunteer Partner
Naomi is a dedicated volunteer partner who has been working with Badilika Uishi since 2022, providing guidance, support, and encouragement. Professionally, Naomi is a consultant specializing in substance use, harm reduction, and mental health. Naomi is inspired by the creativity, passion, and immense heart that goes into all the work accomplished by everyone involved with Badilika Uishi.
Nina Wollberg, Volunteer Partner
Nina has been a devoted volunteer partner with Badilika Uishi’s team since 2023. As a social work student, Nina prioritizes warmth and dedication in all her relationships. Nina is passionate about empowering vulnerable groups through counseling and care coordination in hospital, clinic, and human services settings. Witnessing Badilika Uishi’s transformative impact on the community continually moves her, and she cherishes the opportunity to learn and grow alongside the team.