Samuel Makabira: Former county administrator now homeless, living in poverty

Samuel Makabira Andanje. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Today, he is 'homeless' at his own homestead. He does not have a house save for a ramshackle structure he erected in 1995 when he was still a councillor which he now calls home. His wife, Everline Eshiunwa, 83, is blind and critically ill.

"When people see me coming to ask for help, they say 'Siasa ya Martin Shikuku ilikuharibu (Shikuku style of politics 'destroyed' you) and then they walk away," said Makabira.

The octogenarian said, "no one in the political circles and those in government wants to associate with me despite helping them get elective seats' during my heydays".

"My wife is blind and needs at least Sh50,000 for a check-up but I don't have the money. El Nino rains are beckoning and if we are not rescued, this house will collapse and kill us while asleep. The entire rooftop is leaking and when it rains, our house becomes a lake," he said.

He added: "I am calling upon Governor Fernandes Barasa and well-wishers to come to my rescue. All I want is shelter and treatment for my wife. I was the first councillor of President William Ruto, I am appealing to him to also rescue me because I am homeless in my own home with no basic needs."

In his house is a small bed made of springs and covered with cartons and worn-out clothes that serve as the old couple's beddings.

Makabira lost three children and the remaining five are not only jobless but equally hopeless in life, just like their father.

"When I see someone coming to my home, I feel ashamed because I live like a pauper. I am a perfect example of the living dead," he said. "This life has no meaning but if someone can hear my cry, please come and get me a house and have my wife treated."