Orphans’ home seeks help through Mercy Train

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By Maureen Mudi and vitalis kimutai

Some 180 orphaned children affected by Aids are in dire need of food after running short of supplies early in the year.

Standard Group once donated food to the home when it was reported that some of the children could not access anti-retroviral drugs.

And yesterday, the Destiny Gardens Director Jacob Boaz said though some of the children were on ARVs, it was becoming a challenge for them to be fed well since the stock was quickly running out.

"The Standard Group has always come to our rescue and we make a passionate appeal this time for assistance through the Mercy Train," said Mr Boaz.

He said the institution had been facing many challenges, but added that the food situation was the most urgent and needed quick intervention.

"We have always survived on donor aid, but this year things have not been well," he said.

Boaz said the home needs about 10 bundles of maize flour, three bags of sugar, five of porridge-millet flour, beans, cooking oil, sacks of maize and washing soap among other requirements.

He said the children, who also learn at the institution and others outside, needed special care since 80 per cent of them were HIV positive and had no guardians.

"There was a time we lost a few children after a long battle with some ailments. It was a very challenging time for us. We just ask for help so that we can effectively prevent opportunistic infections from taking over," he said.

Elsewhere in Bomet, a man’s search for food for his starving family ended tragically after he was hacked to death as he stole maize from a neighbour’s farm.

His neighbour, police said, heard commotion in the farm near his house and went to check, only to bump into the suspect carrying maize he had stolen. A confrontation ensued.

The incident took place on Sunday night at Menet village of Kongotik location.

The angry neighbour set upon Mzee Francis Marindany, 50, with a machete and before the suspect could explain his case, he hacked him to death.

Marindany was carrying 15 green maize cobs in a polythene bag.

Victim was neighbour

Local chief Micah Sigei told The Standard yesterday the attacker later realised his victim was from the neighbourhood and surrendered himself to the police.

Area police commander George Ali said the suspect was being held at the Bomet Police Station.

The body of the old man was removed to Longisa District Hospital mortuary.

Many in the district have been starving following a prolonged drought.

Their animals are also in danger as they lack grass and drinking water, leading to their death.