Kenya Insights

Tag: mathare

  • Sonko Adopts Boy Who Watched His Father Get Murdered In Mathare

    Sonko Adopts Boy Who Watched His Father Get Murdered In Mathare

    Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has announced the adoption of Baby James, 3, a boy who tragically lost his father to a violent attack in Huruma’s Mathare Area 4A.

    The deceased, identified only as Michael, was fatally stabbed in the stomach by suspected thugs with what is believed to have been a knife around 5:40 a.m. on Monday, January 20, as he was accompanying his son to school, leaving young James to witness the horrifying event.

    The father was a construction worker and a single parent, leaving James orphaned.

    Sonko took to social media to express his gratitude, stating, “I thank God for blessing me with another son.” He outlined his plans for James, ensuring the boy’s immediate needs are met by providing him with a stable home environment.

    The former governor also extended his appreciation to several local officials and community workers who had been looking after James since the tragedy. He specifically thanked Mr. Victor Owiti, the Sub-County Children’s Officer for Mathare, Christine Dembah, the Senior Chief, as well as Agness Nganga, Sophia Akinyi from Shofco, and Margret Nzuki for their immediate response and care towards the child.

    Understanding the trauma the young boy has endured, Sonko has committed to securing professional psychological help for James. “Since the kid is traumatised, I will engage the services of a professional therapist for his healing journey,” he noted. Additionally, he plans for James to continue his education, albeit at a different school of his choosing, aiming to provide a fresh start away from the painful memories.

    Baby James, who was hosted by Sonko at his home, appeared traumatized as he kept saying, ‘Baba yangu alidungwa na kisu’ (my father was stabbed). Sonko gave him assurance and bought him gifts that will keep him engaged through his mental treatment.

    Sonko’s gesture not only provides a glimmer of hope for Baby James but also highlights the community’s role in supporting its most vulnerable members during times of crisis. He concluded his statement with prayers for James’s comfort and protection, and for peace for the soul of the departed father.

    This is not the first time Sonko has adopted a child.

    In March 2014, he took in Baby Satrin Osinya and his brother, Gift, after their mother was fatally shot during a church attack in Mombasa.

    At the time, Satrin had a bullet lodged in his skull, and his father could not afford the surgery.

    Sonko facilitated the necessary treatment, and since then, Satrin and Gift, now teenagers, continue to live under his care.

  • Floods In Kenya: Ruto Announces Sh10,000 Monthly Stipend For Victims

    Floods In Kenya: Ruto Announces Sh10,000 Monthly Stipend For Victims

    President William Ruto has today announced a monthly stipend for the households displaced by floods in Nairobi.

    “Every household of the 40,000 households that have been displaced in Nairobi country, every household is going to be paid sh.10,000,” he announced in Kiamaiko where he addressed locals.

    The stipend that will be distributed for the next three months comes as a surprise to residents who have been camping in churches, schools and community halls following heavy flooding and to avert possible deaths for those living in riparian land.

    “We have a list of those who were evacuated, we will give them money for 3 months’ rent as the government looks for another alternative as we plan for their future as a government so that every Kenyan has a place to call home,” Ruto said.

    Ruto said the government has set aside Sh1 billion for countrywide re-construction of schools damaged by floods.

    The president said the government will be moving fast to put up new houses under his affordable housing program and the residents displaced will be prioritized.

    “The government will next week advertise for the tender of affordable housing for Kiamako so we can put up 5,000 houses the riparian land that has now been vacated. The houses’ allocation will prioritize the displaced residents.” He said.

    “In Kibera, we shall put up another 5,000 units and another 10,000 in Kasarani-Mwiki,” he added.

    He said the occupants will only be required to part with Sh3,000 as monthly rent.

    The president also assured of accountability vowing not to tolerate corruption in the project, “So that they can find alternative accommodation as we plan for their future as a government. So that every Kenyan has a home and a place to call home. Na nimesema hiyo pesa haitakuliwa na mabwenyenye.”

    The activities shall be coordinated by National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), National Youth Services (NYS), National Police Service (NPS) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officials.

    The president gave private developers permission to put up higher apartments to address the rising demand for affordable housing.

    “There was a time when building an apartment of more than 12 storeys was a problem, as the Commander-in-Chief, I declare that we can now build up to 25 or 30 floors so that many citizens can get accommodation,” he said.

    The President was in the company of Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, PS Raymond Omollo and his Housing counterpart Charles Hinga among other state officials.

    Mathare was one of the areas massively affected by floodwaters in  Nairobi.

    Several properties and lives were lost in Mathare as floodwaters swept through homes.