This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
On August 22, 2019, hundreds of elderly people aged over 70 years from Muthambi Sub-County, Tharaka-Nithi County, expressed their disappointment with the government for excluding them from the Inua Jamii cash transfer programme.
Addressing journalists at Iriga chief's camp, the elderly men and women, some said to be aged 100 years, claimed that their counterparts in other areas were receiving the cash while they were being 'side-lined'.
"I lost my husband and property during the fight for independence but I am now suffering in poverty as young people enjoy the fruits of our labour," said Ms Mariam Kanyua, who claimed she is 106-year-old.
Ms Kanyua stated that she had given up on the monthly stipend because most of her colleagues who were registered for it died before receiving the money.
Mr Stephen Mukobwa, another elderly resident, said that details of 350 elderly people from the area were taken during the start of the programme but they have been waiting for the money in vain.
He alleged that any time they visit the sub-county social services offices in Kieganguru, they are told that there is a problem with the system where their details were captured and that they should be patient as the issue is being worked on.
Mr Mukobwa also stated that they recently sought the intervention of their MP Kareke Mbiuki who promised to follow-up on the matter but nothing has been forthcoming.
"The government has neglected us and it should not disturb us by waking us up at night to be counted because it does not value us," said Mr Mukobwa.
