Woman declines Uhuru’s gift

Damaris Kamau, mother to Dennis Nagruiya- who wowed President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2014 with an impressive poem- has rejected a house in Nakuru that was given to her by the State.

Kamau lamented the condition of the house saying it does not befit the standards of a gift from the Head of State, suggesting that a top State House official might have shortchanged her.

“This is a big joke. Look at this house. It has cracks on the outside and looks like a semi-permanent house while President Kenyatta in his wisdom meant well for us as a family.

“Why is that officer at State House playing tricks on me and my son? One day President Uhuru Kenyatta will know these tricks,” she was quoted by a daily.

Further, she claimed that she was not consulted when the piece of land on which the house sits was bought.

“When they bought this plot they did not involve me. They bought it and called me to occupy the house but I rejected it,” she remarked.

However, according to State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena, the house was built and furnished and only cutlery and mattresses are missing (but will be procured in due course).

Currently, Kamau lives in a mud house some distance away from the house she rejected.

Her son Ngaruiya rose to fame in 2014 during the Kenya Defence Forces Day celebrations at 3KR Barracks in Lanet, Nakuru after his poem ‘Our Father’ left the President and the entire crowd in stitches.

The poem heaped praise on First Lady Margaret Kenyatta for her efforts in promoting maternal health and the President’s friendly nature and approachability.

He was later invited to State House where he was promised a scholarship and a decent house.