Old people seek State protection from abuse

By Ramadhan Rajab

Old people want the Government to end discrimination based on age.

Speaking at celebrations to mark the International Day of Older Persons yesterday, a lobby group in Nairobi faulted the Government for ignoring the rights of the elderly.

This, they said, had exposed them to abuse and inhuman killings.

Regional Representative of HelpAge International in Africa Nesta Hatendi told The Standard in Nairobi: " Within 10 years, for the first time in human history, there will be more people aged 65 and over in the world than children under five. Increased longevity is a sign of progress for human development hence protection of their rights is a mandatory."

HelpAge Kenya Chief Executive Gerald Mwangi urged the Government to change its policy on old age for the elderly lead a dignified life.

Ms Marion Ouma, HelpAge Kenya, programme officer, said there are about 1.3 million old people.

She said more than half of the elderly face daily abuses.

Mr Mwangi asked the Government to arrest perpetrators of violence against the aged and those behind killings of old people linked to witchcraft.

"These killings must be treated as murder and should be investigated, prosecuted and punished by the police and Judiciary," said Mwangi.

He said recognition and support of older people is paramount to social growth.

He said rape cases against the older persons were rising.

There are two Bills on ageing pending in Parliament, the National Policies on Social Protection and the National Policies on Ageing.