This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
On June 11, 2020, a heated exchange took place at Whisper's Park in Nyeri town when residents rejected COVID-19 protective materials donated by Senator Ephraim Maina.
Senator Maina arrived at the scene in a helicopter, accompanied by his aides in a convoy of vehicles. However, his attempt to donate face masks, bar soap, and hand sanitizers was met with resistance from the residents.
According to eyewitnesses, the residents were upset that the senator had arrived by air, while they were struggling with hunger and poverty. The situation escalated when the senator accused Governor Mutahi Kahiga of mismanaging funds meant for development projects in Nyeri town.
“Your donations are belated! What is disturbing us now is hunger and general lack of money, therefore we do not need your materials,” shouted Joyce Kimondo, secretary of the Nyeri Ngumbacho Women Group.
As the situation became increasingly chaotic, Senator Maina was whisked away by security personnel for his safety. The donated materials were later picked up by street urchins after the crowd was dispersed by anti-riot police.
