About Us
Meet our Teams
Friends of Watoto US is a nonprofit organization made up of volunteers and sponsors around the United States to support the incredible efforts of Friends of Watoto Kenya. We will introduce you to both teams who share the same vision to see the people of Bungoma, Kenya flourish on into the future as we provide for the needs of the orphans and vulnerable children and their families.
Cleophas Muyelele
Founder & Director
Cleophas is the visionary behind Friends of Watoto Kenya, serving as both its Founder and Community Director. His commitment to social transformation is rooted in his own lived experience; having grown up as an orphan and facing the hardship of dropping out of school, Cleophas understands the systemic barriers facing vulnerable youth. His life took a pivotal turn when he met a missionary whose support enabled him to complete his education and graduate from college—a turning point that ignited his lifelong mission to pay that kindness forward. Driven by a deep passion for children’s welfare, quality education, and food security, Cleophas has been instrumental in bridging the gap between vision and action. In close collaboration with Friends of Watoto US, he has strategically designed and implemented the organization’s core objectives, ensuring that every program creates a tangible impact on the ground. As the lead member for project implementation in Kenya, Cleophas oversees the daily operations and long-term growth of the organization’s initiatives. He is married and blessed with three children, who serve alongside him in their shared dedication to empowering the community.
Joshua Burgess
Friends of Watoto U.S. President.
Joshua connected with Friends of Watoto Kenya in 2013 over their shared passion for supporting vulnerable children. The love of children started early in his life with a desire to bring simple smiles to their faces. He has served children and their families in many domains, including orphanages and group homes, mental health treatment, and pastoral and community-based ministry. Joshua has a desire to spread the community-building efforts embodied by the Friends of Watoto Kenya team to communities in the U.S. who can benefit from a greater sense of participation in a mission greater than ourselves and our individual lives.
A Bible verse that keeps him full of hope is Philippians 1:7, “I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion”.
Nicole Prim
Friends of Watoto U.S. Treasurer
Nicole is a proud mom of four daughters (one with special needs), grandma of three, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and is currently the Youth Director in her church. She joined Friends of Watoto Kenya in 2021 and has supported three children in many ways. Nicole highly values these children experiencing lots of love and never feeling left out because of their limitations.
A Bible verse that keeps Nicole pushing through challenges is Galatians 6:9, “let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Faith Kadenge
Treasurer & Girls Welfare Administrator.
Faith is a dedicated leader and finance professional passionate about transforming lives through community impact programs. Since the inception of the organization, she has served as the treasurer ensuring transparency, sustainability, and growth in all initiatives. Faith is deeply committed to championing the welfare of girls through access to education, dignity, mentorship, and hygiene awareness. Her vision is to create empowered communities where every child, especially girls, have the opportunity to thrive.
Patricia Chepkemoi (Chepchep)
Programs Coordinator
Patricia is a dedicated advocate for women and the girl child, committed to advancing empowerment and community transformation. As the Programs Coordinator at Friends of Watoto Kenya, she oversees program implementation, coordinates field activities, and works closely with her team to ensure impactful and sustainable support across all initiatives. Through her leadership, Patricia has helped create meaningful change, ensuring that everyone who engages with the organization is empowered and their lives improved. Her work focuses on mentorship, education sponsorship, and livelihood empowerment, including skills development at the organization’s training center.
Danielle Huff
Friends of Watoto U.S. Secretary
Danielle is a wife, a mother of two adult children, and completely smitten with her grandson. She finds joy in the simple blessings of life—teaching and loving children, reading, cooking for the people she loves, and being outdoors playing with her goats and dog. She enjoys treasure hunting at thrift stores and repurposing items, giving them new life and purpose. Through seasons of death, sickness, and difficult circumstances, she has learned to lean fully on Jesus and trust in His plan.
A Bible verse that guides and sustains her is Isaiah 40:31, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
The "Champ" Call
Why should you become a Friends of Watoto Champion?
Our "champs" get to see the fruits of their labor put to use in ways that allow orphans and the people of the community of Bungoma to flourish. Many children here are born into poverty and have to fight for their very existence. Many families struggle to meet essential needs, such as food, water, clothing, and basic household supplies.