The government has been urged to constitute a special committee to address a looming crisis among vulnerable members of the society following the outbreak of coronavirus.
Chairman to Nakuru Church Elders Council Sammy Ngahu said while the government was doing a commendable job to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the elderly, orphans and widows and physically challenged had seemingly not received enough attention in the fight against the virus.
He said most poor neighbourhoods and low income settlements in Nakuru and its environs were littered with thousands of orphans and vulnerable persons (OVPS) who depend on local and foreign donation which have since the outbreak of the deadly virus have dried up.
The Chairman who spoke when the organisation distributed face masks to boda boda riders and traders who have been relocated to Afraha Stadium hailed the Nakuru County administration for launching the Sh 250 million food support kitty for needy families within low income areas, adding that well-wishers need to support the government’s efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19.
Secretary to the Organisation Reverend Elijah Mwangi appealed to Kenyans to take seriously the measures announced by the government in order to curb further spread of Covid-19.
He further urged Kenyans to stop shaking hands and keep the recommended social distance.
Reverend Mwangi encouraged everyone to obey directives issued by the government from time to time in its measures to tame the pandemic.
He appealed to religious organisations to maintain online services as the country puts in strict measures to control the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) which is now a global pandemic.
The clergyman called on Christians, Muslims and Hindus to continue staying at home and to pay their tithes and offerings through mobile money transfer services and online payment platforms.
“Let’s avoid crowded places. Let us embrace social distancing as earlier advised. Self-protection starts with you. This pandemic might hit us hard if we are not careful,” he said.
He warned Kenyans against taking the directive lightly and told Kenyans to stay indoors.
Reverend Mwangi said the main reason why the government closed schools was to minimise movement and that it was wrong for Kenyans to still attend gatherings claiming they are praying to the nation.
“Stay indoors. At home, you could do everything you felt was necessary until the country is safe,” he said.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi has in the past castigated some Kenyans whom he termed as ‘undisciplined and difficult people,’ who have been warned against contracting the disease but they feign ignorance.
“Kenyans are not disciplined and it will cost us. We want responsibility among citizens, Keep your kids home. You people of the media need to tell them,” he said.
By Anne Mwale
Clergy Want Plight of Orphans and Vulnerable persons Factored in Covid-19 Campaign
