Riabai Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA), in Kiambu County donated foodstuff to over 150 needy families in his ward as Christmas celebrations support.
Hezron Gachui, the MCA who was accompanied by other well-wishers distributed Flour, Rice, Cooking oil to families in the area that have been financially struggling to make ends meet.
Speaking at the Anglican of Kenya (ACK) St. Joseph Riabai Parish church, Gachui urged the government to reduce the cost of living saying there are families who cannot even afford a packet of ‘Unga’.
He further urged residents of the ward who are financially able not to forget others who might be in need. “Let us be good neighbours and support each other, look out for a neighbour who is not financially able and share a little especially this time of Christmas celebrations.
The MCA thanked his friends and some well-wishers who joined him in disbursement of the food stuff saying the offer will go a long way in supporting especially those living below the poverty line.
“Life is currently tough and the economy is going up because even most of our people who do manual jobs are unable to put food on the table,” Gachui said.
Irene Benjamin, a good Samaritan who also brought in some donations said it was always good to give back to the society. “I was brought up in the same area and giving back as well as spending time with the needy during Christmas is good,”.
She quoted Luke 2:10 in the bible which says, ‘But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people,’ adding that this should be able to encourage those who have to give to those in need.
The Lord gives us the joy of happiness. We are happy. This is my church, from the time I was a child, I have been a Sunday school teacher since I was a youth,” she explained.
Benjamin further urged the government to create more job opportunities and offer employment so that people do not have to rely on handouts.
Joseph Kimani, one of the beneficiaries and who said he has been living in Riabai since 1969 thanked the MCA for remembering them saying life has not been easy for him especially since he takes care of his grandchildren.
“I want to urge the government to increase the stipends for the elderly, “pesa ya wazee” which is not enough considering the economy is not favouring some of us,” he said.
The Christmas period is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with loved ones, exchange gifts, and spread joy and happiness and a time to demonstrate kindness by donating to not only charitable organizations and helping those in need.
By Wangari Ndirangu
