This archive report was first published on 23 July 2019.
On July 23, 2019, Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi launched a crackdown on street beggars in Meru town, ordering the arrest of both the beggars and those who bring them to the streets.
The governor accused some individuals of exploiting people with disabilities for personal gain, saying they were enriching themselves by misusing vulnerable individuals.
"All the people who bring in beggars to the streets should be arrested together with the beggars," Murungi said.
He encouraged the beggars to enroll in the newly launched PWD Sacco, which aims to make them self-reliant through skills training and financial support.
"I encourage them to instead join the PWD Sacco to benefit from skills training and financial support," he added.
The Meru County administration has allocated Sh15 million to start the PWD Sacco, with Sh5 million set aside for training and the remainder saved in the Sacco.
The Sacco already has 1,700 members and is ready to work towards ensuring the rights of people with disabilities are respected, according to its Chairman, Mike Makarina.
