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Kiambu based journalists donate foodstuff to needy families in Githunguri

Sunday, August 9th, 2020 17:39 | By
(Left)Journalists Mathew Ndung'u (People Daily) and his colleague Moses Ngige (Inooro FM) purchase foodstuff at a store in Kiambu town for disribution to needy families.

Kiambu based journalists on Sunday donated foodstuff and basic-use items to vulnerable families from Ikinu village in Githunguri Constituency, Kiambu County.

The journalists under the umbrella of Kiambu Scribes donated food, beddings, and facemasks to cushion the families from the biting effects of Covid-19.

They distributed the items over the weekend with the assistance of area Community Health Volunteers.

Led by Esther Kihanya, a communication officer at the Kiambu County Government and People Daily's @mathew-ndungu, the over 20 journalists made the donations after the health volunteers unearthed the pathetic situation of a section of families in the Constituency that was on the verge of losing hope over destitution.

All the families that the scribes visited and offered support are heavily afflicted by jiggers which, compounded by the economic challenges brought about by Covid-19 have left them in indigence.

According to Cecelia Wagithomo who has been taking care of three frail men who have been grappling with the debilitating infestation of the tiny sand-fleas. The Tungiasis disease has been ravaging them since 1990.

“To reduce their pain, I use diesel and paraffin which I smear on the affected places. The liquids reduce the itch giving them some bit of relief but that does not remove them,” she said.

She stated that it has been a daunting task for her to take care of the three men who are also battling other disabilities.

“I am grateful to the media for remembering us. Your blankets and food donations will go a long way in helping us fight hunger. Our hopes remain high that one day God will get this trouble behind us,” she said.

In another family that the journalists visited, children as young as six years have also been infested with the pests, their legs and hand fingers now paining due to the parasites.

In the pitiable family, six children alongside their mother are all battling the severe infestation that has seen them walk with difficulty.

Veronica Wangui Ruguru, a resident from the village said they have run out of anti-jigger drugs calling on the government and other well-wishers to intervene.

“It has been crazy fighting the jiggers. They sometimes attack even private parts making someone live in misery and shame. Now that we have run out of hydrogen peroxide which we use to fight the jiggers, they are now mutating into bigger pests which are more painful,” said Wangui.

The journalists promised to follow up the cases with the authorities for prompt interventions even as they work to support the families where they can.

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