A middle-aged widower from Muchungucha in Kiharu, Murang’a county can now afford to smile after a philanthropist built him a new house.
Obadiah Kariuki, a father of four, had been living in a decrepit iron-sheet structure with his four children and two grandchildren.
Speaking during the handing-over ceremony, Kariuki expressed gratitude for the house noting that his family was living in deplorable conditions and the new house would restore their dignity.
“People were making fun of our situation, they had shunned us because of how poor we were,” he said. He revealed that since his wife passed on, he has been the caregiver to one of his daughters who is mentally challenged, a scenario that has limited his ability to provide for his family.
On his part the patron of Can Do Kids International, Karanja Mburu Wamatangi underscored the need for the community to help each other live dignified lives.
“We have built many houses. So far, as Can Do Kids International we have constructed 21 houses for needy families across Kiharu,” he said noting that he had furnished the house with new furniture and brought new clothes for the family.
The philanthropist vowed to support the child of the disabled mother throughout their education and extended support to the other children in the family still in school.
Wamatangi, who is also a politician, challenged the government to consider restructuring affordable housing to cater to more Kenyans in the rural areas.
He noted that many Kenyans own land and would benefit from low-interest loans and grants to construct decent houses on their pieces of land.
He further observed that the cost of complete units is inflated and beyond reach for many Kenyans. “This three-bedroom house cost us Sh. 1.1 million while those government houses go for as much as Sh 3 million,” he said.
He called upon the government to ensure that money meant for affordable houses is not diverted to other uses.
Meanwhile, Wamatangi castigated the legislature for passing laws that were not favorable to those who elected them. “Members of parliament need to represent the people who elected them,” he said.
He noted that the 2027 elections are fast approaching and Kenyans will vote for leaders who will represent them effectively.
