Joy as 108-year-old Nyeri granny is housed

Beatrice Waturi receives bedding after her dilapidated house at Matakwaini in Tetu, Nyeri County got a face lift from Purity Elderly Care Foundation and area MCA Jesse Kamuri. [PHOTO: SAMMY MOSE/STANDARD]

NYERI COUNTY: It was a gesture that brought tears to the eyes of 108-year-old Beatrice Waturi as eight young men and four women visited her home in Wamagana, Nyeri County on a cold July morning with brand new iron sheets to roof her leaking house.

The plight of Ms Waturi, who is also blind has been of concern to her neighbours since her only daughter died ten-years ago, leaving her destitute and with no means to fend for herself. Mary Wambui, her neighbour, has been her closest friend and care-giver for the past five years.

Wambui took up the role, under an arrangement that allows her to cultivate Waturi's half-acre piece of land in exchange for taking care of all the octogenarian's needs.

"As a neighbour, I noticed that her piece of land was idle so I approached her to allow me to rent the piece of land so I could cultivate it for food for my family," Wambui explained.

She, however, noticed that even as she paid her rent, Ms Waturi was unable to take care of herself so she volunteered to clean her house, wash her laundry and cook for her.

LEAKING ROOF

"I approached the local Member of the County Assembly and asked for his help," Wambui said.

Wamagana ward rep Jesse Kamuri said the plight of Ms Waturi came to light through her concerned friends and neighbours.

"I visited her several times and brought her food stuffs and blankets, but realised it was not enough because her roof was leaking and she had only one blanket. At the county level, we are making plans to protect vulnerable people like her," Kamuri, who is the chairperson of the Committee for Social Services.

A month ago, the County Government announced plans to register all the senior citizens above the age of 70 with a view of providing them with medical needs in the current budget passed by the Assembly.

However, the plans are yet to kick off, leaving most of the work of caring for the elderly to non-profit organisations.

Purity Elderly Foundation director Joyce Wanjiku, who spearheaded the drive to raise money to purchase the necessary materials to assist Ms Waturi said the situation is dire for many senior citizens in the county.

"We have over 80 people currently who are living in similar circumstances and in need of assistance. Some often die during the cold seasons from pneumonia," Wanjku said.

As Waturi sits on her bed listening to the construction work going on around her, it is evident she is overwhelmed by the kindness.

"I can only bless you because I have nothing to offer you as my great grandchildren for helping me today," Ms Waturi whispers.