Anti-jigger campaigner alleges opposition, threats from politicians in Central region

Ms Ngina Kenyatta the daughter of President Uhuru Kenyatta cuts a cake assisted by Ahadi Kenya CEO Dr Stanley Kamau(extreme right) cuts to officially make the opening of a house belonging to orphans at Karembu village Gatundu South on Saturday.The house was built by Ahadi Kenya in partnership with Ms Kenyatta.

Some politicians in Central Kenya are perpetuating the suffering of their people by driving away those willing to help the poor.

Ahadi Kenya CEO Stanley Kamau says his organisation is facing opposition from some senators, governors and Members of the National Assembly in its mission to eradicate the jigger menace.

Speaking at Karembu village in Gatundu South over the weekend when he handed over a house the organisation has constructed for two sisters, Dr Kamau said he had received warnings from some leaders he did not name, telling him to desist from visiting their areas.

“Quite a number of political leaders have told me not to go to their areas with my ant-jigger campaign, which is a minus for them politically and embarrassing too,” Kamau said.

He said Central Kenya was one of the regions hardest hit by jiggers and political leaders should be supporting his work and that of other humanitarian organisations in the country.

EIGHT CHILDREN

He said leaders should be happy when some of the challenges facing the people they represent are solved irrespective of who is stepping in to help.

“As leaders, they should be working with the humanitarian assistance groups by giving moral and financial support to help in ending the challenges facing the people. They should desist from only being mindful about their political careers,” he said.

The three bedroom iron sheet house was built in partnership with Ngina Kenyatta, President Uhuru Kenyatta’s daughter, at a cost of Sh250,000.

The sisters, Mary Murugi and Pauline Wanjiku, have eight children, all of who had been infested with jiggers.

They were living in a small make-shift structure in Karembu village.

“We are happy beyond words and thank all those who came to our rescue by building us a house and providing other things as well,” said Ms Wanjiku.

Kamau and Ms Kenyatta donated food stuffs, bedding and cash to help the family cater for their needs.