Over 400 families in Ruiru Constituency are all smiles after a group of well-wishers distributed foodstuffs ahead of Christmas festivities.
The group known as December Charity on Saturday donated food items to the elderly, orphans and the sick in six wards, including Gitothua, Biashara, Gatong’ora, Kiuu, Wendani and Mwiki. The donations included cooking oil, sugar, rice, maize flour and wheat flour.
Speaking while making donations at St. George’s Primary School in Ruiru town, the group leader, Solomon Irungu (pictured below), said the aim was to put a smile on the faces of the poor and the sick during this festive season.
“This is a season of showing love to the needy in our society, and therefore, it’s my humble appeal to well-wishers to ensure that they assist the destitute in their respective areas. We have been doing this so that everyone can have a reason to smile during the Christmas season,” Irungu said.
He pointed out that many people in the area are languishing in poverty in silence, especially the elderly and the sick, saying that it’s high time they are remembered and taken care of by society.
Irungu averred that the current economic situation in the country has impoverished many, especially those at the bottom of the pyramid. “Many people are lacking a reason to celebrate during this Christmas season because of their economic situation. It’s only righteous to help them out and at least let them celebrate like others,” he said.
The group, comprising Ruiru professionals and natives born in December, has been making such donations annually for the last 11 years. Irungu noted that more charity work will be done next year, including facilitating education for the less fortunate.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to journalists led by Jacinta Musili hailed the group for the donations.
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Musili noted that the prices of most food items, such as cooking oil, wheat flour, meat, and even farm produce like cow peas, have skyrocketed, leaving most families unable to afford them.
“We are glad for the help we have received because it will take us through Christmas. With the current harsh economic times and high prices of basic foodstuffs, most of us are unable to buy them. Still, we hope that proper interventions can be made to make them affordable and accessible to even the poor,” Musili said.
At the same time, they called on the government to ensure that the return to school for all learners is seamless, noting their concern about increased fees despite the hard times.
The Government had earlier indicated plans to reduce capitation funds for schools by close to 40 per cent, leaving parents with a heavy burden of funding their children’s education.
“Schools will open in two weeks, and we are worried because of the uncertainties regarding school fees. Our only hope now remains in the government that they won’t burden us further with hefty amounts of school fees,” said resident Murai Mbugua.
By John Kamau
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