Destitutes at Mogra Rescue Centre in Muthaiga North were all smiles after Simlaw Seeds Company offered an assortment of gifts and foodstuffs in a goodwill gesture marking the Moi Day celebrations.
The goods worth Sh80, 000 included foodstuffs, clothes, detergents came handy to an institution that supports vulnerable children from Mathare slum with limited resources as the numbers of needy cases surge by the day..
Simlaw Seeds Company General Manager David Kiplagat who was accompanied by staff said the donation was rekindling the philosophy of retired President Moi who frequently called on Kenyans to be mindful of the welfare of the disadvantaged in the society.
Though the day had been struck out of the public holidays’ list after the promulgation of the new Constitution in 2010, it was brought back by lawyer Gregory Nyauchi after he successfully argued in court that scrapping off the day amounted to abusing the Constitution.
When declaring the day as a public holiday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi encouraged Kenyans to mark the day with selfless acts of service to the community.
During yesterday’s visit, Kiplagat sent out an appeal to local philanthropists to come out and assist the home.
He promised to offer opportunities at the company to those who excelled in education and score good grades.
The institution offers free education in Mathare slums to more than 900 children in both primary and secondary level.
Kiplagat, touched by the humility of the founders of the home, pledged that the company would continue helping in feeding the children and encouraged other companies to come in and assist the home.
“It is not only foreign donations that can help such needy children. Local companies should also come out and carry humanitarian work through helping such children,” he said.
Mogra home was formed in 2009 and is owned by David Njoroge Wambia and wife Rev. Hannah Wairimu and houses kids from the ages of 0-19 years and since its inception, Mogra has made a comfortable home for over 250 children.
Wambia thanked Simlaw seeds for their surprise gift to the children and also called for more help from caring Kenyans.
He however bemoaned that the noble sector has been invaded by briefcase home owners who have been raising funds using vulnerable children to enrich themselves.
Wambia who is an ex street chokora who was based in Kariakor since childhood asked the government to crackdown on crooks who do not use or run homes for the intended purpose by de-registering them.
By Wangari Ndirangu
