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From Caregiver to CEO: Kenyan Immigrant Launches Licensed Group Home in US at 40

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By Olivia Mungwana


Spokane County, Washington (CNN) — When Catherine Wangui boarded a plane to the United States in 2018, she wasn’t chasing a polished American dream. She was leaving behind a life in Kenya marked by a stagnant career, a struggling marriage, and dwindling hope.

Today, the 45-year-old nurse is the proud owner of a soon-to-be-operational licensed group home in Washington State, a healthcare business designed to provide long-term care for adults with mental health or developmental challenges.

Her journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and opportunity—a narrative shared by thousands of immigrants striving for a better life in the U.S., and now a case study in entrepreneurship in America’s growing home care industry.


A New Chapter at 40

Before moving to the United States, Wangui worked in Kenya’s banking and insurance sectors. Despite climbing the corporate ladder, she found herself increasingly dissatisfied.“It never occurred to me that I could leave the country. I was busy raising kids and just trying to survive,” Wangui tells CNN in an exclusive interview from her home in Spokane County.

At 40, a turning point arrived. “Everything around me was crumbling,” she says. “I had to make a decision—stay and struggle or leave and take a chance.”

With financial support from family, she relocated to Washington State, a hub for East African immigrants and healthcare opportunities.


From Living Room to Licensed Nurse

Wangui spent her early days in the U.S. living with hosts and working as a caregiver. It was in these modest surroundings that her career pivoted toward nursing.“Many of the people who received me were in healthcare. It felt natural to follow that path,” she says.

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She worked at a local children’s hospital and eventually enrolled in Sumner College in Oregon to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Juggling weekend jobs with full-time study, Wangui survived on just $2,000 a month—less than many of her classmates’ tuition bills.

“I went from living in an apartment to shared housing. But I knew the sacrifice would pay off,” she explains.


The Business Spark: Group Homes

Despite earning her LPN and gaining experience, Wangui felt the demands of hospital shifts were unsustainable. That’s when she learned about licensed group homes, small residential facilities offering medical and personal care services in a home-like setting.

While attending a golf tournament in Spokane, she met Kenyan-American entrepreneurs running group homes. Their success stories planted a seed.

“They were making a real impact—and generating income that aligned with the life I envisioned,” she recalls.

She began researching state regulations, licensing requirements, and income potential.

According to Washington State’s Department of Social and Health Services, group homes can bill Medicaid $3,000 per resident monthly, while private clients often pay between $15,000 to $20,000 per month, depending on care needs.


From Vision to Reality

In August 2024, Wangui purchased a home in Spokane County. Since then, she has spent six months transforming it into a state-licensed adult family home. Though she hasn’t admitted her first client yet, she’s optimistic.

“The need is massive. Hospitals are full. People are looking for community-based alternatives,” she says.

Her business model allows her to live on-site, providing both medical and daily care—creating a balance between entrepreneurship and nursing.


Licensed Group Homes: A Growing Industry

The group home sector has gained momentum in recent years due to rising healthcare costs and a shortage of long-term care facilities.

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Explore More: How to Start a Group Home in Washington

For immigrants with healthcare training, it presents a high-demand, high-reward business model—especially in states like Washington, Oregon, and California, where aging populations and mental health needs are growing.


Redefining Success in Midlife

Wangui’s journey isn’t just a business story—it’s a personal triumph. Her daughter recently graduated in the U.S., and the family is slowly reuniting after years apart.

“I never imagined I’d be buying property or starting a business in America at this age,” she says. “But age is not the enemy—fear is.”

Her message to others? It’s never too late to start over, especially in a country that offers the freedom to reinvent.


Key Stats: Catherine’s Path to Entrepreneurship

  • Age moved to U.S.: 40

  • Previous career: Sales & insurance in Kenya

  • Education: Licensed Practical Nurse, Sumner College (2023)

  • Startup cost: Approx. $150,000 including property, licensing, and renovations

  • Projected income: $3,000–$20,000 per client/month

  • Business model: Licensed adult family home, live-in caregiver


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Federal Judge Revokes Citizenship of North Carolina Man Convicted of Child Sex Crimes

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RALEIGH, N.C. — A federal judge has revoked the U.S. citizenship of a 72-year-old Durham County man who admitted to making false statements during the naturalization process while concealing criminal conduct, federal authorities announced.

Cyril Domaquik Clemens, a native of Liberia, was sentenced to time served on September 17, 2026, after pleading guilty to naturalization fraud. The court also revoked his naturalized citizenship and ordered him to leave the United States at his own expense, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Federal prosecutors said Clemens made false statements under penalty of perjury on his citizenship application and during an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

According to prosecutors, Clemens answered “no” when asked whether he had ever forced or attempted to force someone into sexual contact or committed a crime for which he had not been arrested.

Clemens became a naturalized U.S. citizen in February 2021. Authorities said the criminal conduct at issue began before he applied for citizenship, meaning the information he withheld was relevant to his naturalization proceedings.

Clemens subsequently pleaded guilty to naturalization fraud in federal court in June 2026, acknowledging the false statements that formed the basis of the prosecution.

The federal case followed his earlier guilty plea in Durham County Superior Court in April 2023 to three counts of indecent liberties with a child. According to the Justice Department, the offenses occurred over an extended period, beginning before Clemens submitted his citizenship application.

The state criminal proceedings and the federal fraud case addressed separate offenses. The state case involved the child sex crimes, while the federal prosecution concerned the false statements made during the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship.

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The federal judge revoked Clemens’ citizenship after the fraud conviction and ordered him to leave the country at his own expense. The order to depart is a separate consequence from the revocation of his citizenship. The available announcement does not establish whether he has completed his departure from the United States.

Federal law permits the government to seek denaturalization when citizenship was illegally obtained or secured through concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation. The legal requirements are outlined in Section 1451 of Title 8 of the U.S. Code.

The investigation involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Authorities said the case was pursued as part of Operation False Haven, an initiative targeting immigration fraud involving individuals who allegedly concealed disqualifying criminal histories or other material information.

The case highlights the potential legal consequences of providing false information during the U.S. naturalization process, particularly when the concealed information concerns serious criminal conduct.

For additional details, readers can consult the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, which publishes federal prosecution announcements and information about cases handled in the district.

KSN Media Hub will continue to follow developments involving federal court rulings, immigration enforcement, and public safety.

This report is based on publicly available government announcements and legal information. Allegations and case details are attributed to prosecutors and official records.

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Woman Interrupts Church Wedding With Children, Claims Groom Is Her Husband

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A wedding ceremony was reportedly interrupted after a woman arrived at a church with her children and confronted a groom she claimed was still her husband.

The woman, who was carrying a baby on her back, reportedly approached the altar and called on her other children to stand beside her as she addressed the congregation.

The incident attracted attention online after footage circulated showing the confrontation unfolding in front of the bride, who was dressed in a white wedding gown, and other wedding attendees.

According to an account published by TUKO.co.ke on October 12, the woman claimed that she and the groom had neither divorced nor separated.

The video, attributed to Ripple Effects in the report, ended without revealing how the confrontation was resolved or whether the wedding eventually proceeded.

Woman says she received information about the wedding

According to the woman’s account as reported by TUKO.co.ke, the man had left home earlier that morning, telling her he was travelling upcountry.

She alleged that she later received information suggesting he was preparing to marry another woman.

The tip-off reportedly prompted her to go to the church, where she confronted the groom in front of the congregation.

During the exchange, she maintained that their relationship had not formally ended and called their children forward as she challenged the ceremony.

Her statements formed the centre of the confrontation, although the groom’s response and his account of the relationship were not included in the material available for this report.

Bride caught in an unexpected confrontation

The incident reportedly left the bride and other people attending the ceremony visibly surprised.

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According to the description accompanying the footage, the bride remained near the altar as the woman addressed the congregation. The groom was also present during the exchange, while the priest and other church participants watched.

The available video did not establish whether the ceremony was suspended, cancelled or later continued.

It also did not provide independent confirmation of the woman’s marital status or clarify whether any legal proceedings had taken place before the planned wedding.

Similar incidents have been reported before

Church confrontations involving disputed relationships are not entirely new in news coverage.

In October 2014, The Standard reported a separate incident in Kariobangi South, Nairobi, in which a woman disrupted a church service while alleging that her husband had neglected her and their child.

The circumstances of that earlier incident were different, and there is no evidence linking it to the current video. It nevertheless illustrates how disputes over family responsibilities and relationships can sometimes become public during religious gatherings.

Read The Standard’s 2014 report.

Questions remain unanswered

The latest wedding incident has generated questions about the groom’s relationship with the woman, the bride’s knowledge of the alleged marriage and the eventual outcome of the ceremony.

However, the available footage and published account do not answer those questions conclusively.

KSNMediaHub.com could not establish an independent report confirming the identities of those involved, the location of the church or the legal status of the relationship.

The woman’s statements should therefore be understood as allegations rather than established findings. A response from the groom, the bride or other people directly involved could provide additional context.

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Fred Machoka Breaks Silence Over Golden Jubilee Rhumba Concert Drama Involving His Niece, Gloria Owoba

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Veteran Kenyan broadcaster Fred Machoka has expressed gratitude following his Golden Jubilee Rhumba concert, reflecting on the concerns that surrounded the event before it brought together celebrated musicians from Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The landmark celebration attracted Rhumba enthusiasts eager to watch established performers, including Congolese music star Koffi Olomide, legendary singer Mbilia Bel, Them Mushrooms and Les Wanyika.

However, the concert also generated online discussion following separate incidents involving Koffi Olomide and former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba, drawing attention away from some of the evening’s musical highlights.

In a post-event message cited by TUKO.co.ke, Machoka opened up about the uncertainty the organising team faced before the concert, including concerns about weather conditions and fears that an Ebola-related scare might affect attendance.

Despite those worries, the veteran broadcaster expressed relief that the event went ahead as planned.

Fred Machoka reflects on concerns before the concert

Machoka said the organising team had been anxious about whether external circumstances would disrupt the celebrations, particularly the possibility of rain affecting the event.

He also recalled concerns about whether Ebola-related fears might discourage people from attending.

In his post, Machoka credited God for helping the organisers overcome their worries and deliver the celebration.

His remarks offered a glimpse into the pressures associated with organising a major live music event featuring internationally recognised performers and a large audience.

The broadcaster also thanked fans who turned up to support the concert, praising their enthusiasm and the reception given to the musicians.

Koffi Olomide delivers an extended performance

Koffi Olomide was among the evening’s headline performers, with Machoka praising the Congolese star for entertaining fans during an extended set.

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According to the remarks quoted by TUKO.co.ke, Koffi performed for approximately two hours, while his wife, Cindy Le Cœur, and other musicians also contributed to the programme.

Mbilia Bel, Them Mushrooms and Les Wanyika were among the established acts associated with the concert, which celebrated the enduring popularity of Rhumba music across East Africa.

The event highlighted the genre’s continued appeal among audiences who appreciate its distinctive guitar arrangements, harmonies and dance rhythms.

Machoka also recognised the contribution of the event’s presenters and hosts, including Jeff Koinange, Mwalimu Churchill, Eric Latiff, Dee and Patrick Igunza.

He thanked those involved in making the programme possible and indicated that another edition could be considered in the future.

Gloria Orwoba incident draws attention

Despite the music performances, the event attracted controversy after former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba reportedly encountered a difficult moment on stage.

TUKO.co.ke reported that Orwoba was asked to leave the stage amid chants from some members of the audience.

The incident generated discussion online, with attention also directed at her relationship with Machoka, who is her uncle.

However, the circumstances surrounding the exchange and the motivations of individual audience members should not be assumed beyond what can be established from verified footage and accounts.

The episode added a political dimension to an event primarily organised to celebrate music and Machoka’s milestone.

Disagreement involving Koffi Olomide also discussed

A separate incident involving Machoka and Koffi Olomide also attracted attention after footage and accounts of an apparent disagreement circulated on social media.

The exchange became another talking point following the concert, prompting discussion about what had happened between the veteran broadcaster and the Congolese musician.

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The available account does not, on its own, establish the full circumstances of the disagreement or either man’s complete perspective on the incident.

Further details should therefore be attributed to verified footage or direct statements from the individuals involved rather than speculation.

Machoka focuses on gratitude and the possibility of another concert

Despite the controversies, Machoka’s post-event message emphasised appreciation for the fans, musicians, presenters and other people who contributed to the celebration.

His remarks suggested that he regarded the event as an important milestone, notwithstanding the challenges and public discussion surrounding it.

He also left open the possibility of organising another edition, while acknowledging that a repeat event was not guaranteed.

The Golden Jubilee celebration brought together generations of Rhumba performers and audiences, underlining the genre’s lasting place in Kenya’s entertainment scene.

For Machoka, the response from music lovers appeared to be a central part of the experience, even as the incidents involving Orwoba and Koffi continued to generate debate after the final performances.

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