A local philanthropist in Tharaka Nithi County has complimented government initiatives in supporting the vulnerable during this Covid-19 pandemic by distributing foodstuffs and masks to the elderly and Persons Living with Disabilities in the county.
The Businessman, Muthomi Micheni commonly known as 810, is also a parliamentary aspirant gave maize, bar soap, rice, cooking oil and tissue paper to the vulnerable members of the society at Makanyanga village in Igambang’ombe sub-county.
Speaking to the residents at Makanyanga market where he was distributing food items to the aged people through the office off the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) last weekend, Micheni said there is need to remember these people since most of them can’t afford buying for themselves during these difficult moments.
He disclosed that there are those benefiting with money from the government but some do not because they are not informed about the procedures that they should follow to benefit from the Inua Jamii cash transfers.
Micheni said during the period of Covid-19 most of the relatives who were helping them have lost their jobs and as for now they are at high risk of dying due to lack of food and hence the need to act swiftly and help them.
“As we all know most of our relatives who are in towns have lost their jobs due to covid-19 and now I’m calling upon the county and the national government to take initiative and support the elderly people who now have been left with no one to help them,” said 810.
The philanthropist further said he has chipped in to compliment the national and county government because virtually should be considered needy during these difficult moments.
Representing the office of the DCC, the area Assistant Chief, Geoffrey Njagi said the residents of that area did not expect much rain this season just like the previous one and thus they did not plant as expected and hence a looming hunger.
However the chief also asked the residents who have livestock to sell some and buy food at the moment since they don’t know if the government will close the market due to the increased number of Covid-19 cases in Kenya.
“Let those people with the livestock to sell some and buy food since they won’t be harvesting a lot and still we are fighting against covid-19 spread in Kenya and the government might close the market to ensure social distance,” said the Mr. Njagi.
He also asked the residents to ensure they wear masks, wash their hands and ensure they keep distance in the market places and report anyone who comes from other counties so that they can be screened and taken go to quarantine.
By Kenneth Marangu/Monicah Nyagah
