Moi dedicates day to charity walk

By Lucianne Limo

Retired President Moi has urged Kenyans to assist the 3.5million mentally disabled people.

Moi regretted that people suffering from mental disability are often locked up and chained by their families due to shame.

"We must give them support and ensure it is sustainable. Each individual needs a carer when his or her families go to work," he said.

Moi announced he has dedicated the forthcoming Moi Day to a 10km charity walk in support of the establishment of Carers Fund for the disabled.

Through the fund, mentally disabled will receive Sh4,500 per month for the rest of their lives. The money will also pay for their therapeutic support.

Moi was speaking yesterday at his Kabarnet Gardens office, when he met members of the Kenya National Society for the Mentally Handicapped.

The Carers Fund will be managed by among others, Retired Archbishop Ndingi Mwana a’ Nzeki, Prof El-Bussaidy, Ms Zipporah Kittony and Ms Eddah Maina.

Moi said the mentally disabled persons needed assistance because they cannot engage in gainful employment and so cannot benefit from enterprise fund.

Reasonable income

"In situation where they do vocations, they must rely on the support of other people. Without this support, it is difficult for them to realise reasonable income," he said.

Moi appealed to the youth to desist from using drugs to have a bright future.

"I appeal to young people. Thank God because you have sound mind. Don’t destroy yourselves because you are the future and you need to stay strong and healthy," he said.

The retired President also appealed to companies to participate in the walk saying the mentally disabled form the majority of the vulnerable, yet they remain invisible.

"The nature of the mental disabilities never enables them to be productive or self reliant. Their right to care and protection is not understood," he added.

Moi has dedicated most of his time since retirement to charity.

 

 

Read all about: mentally disabled Kabarnet Kenya National Society for the Mentally Handicapped Carers Fund

 

 

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