Radio listeners donate to buy woman matatu
Agnes Macharia (right) whose matatu was burnt during a Cord protest in Nairobi against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission on June 6, 2016, outside Milimani Law Courts in the city on June 13. With her are lawyer Wilfred Ogot Lusi (left), Matatu Owners Association chairman Simon Kimutai (centre) and others. Ms Macharia and a matatu sacco sued Cord leaders for the damage and are seeking compensation. The case will be heard on June 20, 2016. PHOTO | PAUL WAWERU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Single mother’s bus was burnt to a shell by mob during anti-IEBC protests on Monday last week.
- MPs allied to the ruling Jubilee coalition contributed at least Sh1 million to the fundraising.
- Mr Njoroge said he hoped to raise Sh5 million for a brand new matatu, complete with an insurance cover.
Listeners of a vernacular radio station on Tuesday raised Sh2 million in aid of a Nairobi businesswoman whose matatu was burnt during a protest against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission in Nairobi last week.
Fans of Kameme FM’s morning show “Arahuka”, which is hosted by Njogu wa Njoroge, contributed by M-Pesa towards buying a new matatu.
The Nation has also learnt that MPs allied to the ruling Jubilee coalition contributed at least Sh1 million to the fundraising.
The show, which starts at 6am, has a section that discusses national issues and lets listeners give their views. It was here that the host appealed to his listeners to support Agnes Macharia.
Mr Njoroge said he hoped to raise Sh5 million for a brand new matatu, complete with an insurance cover.
The host highlighted the plight of Ms Macharia, who was struggling to repay a loan she took to buy the matatu but on Monday last week, protesters burnt it down, taking away her source of livelihood.
In an interview, the single mother said she depended on the matatu for the family’s upkeep, including paying her children’s school fees.
According to Mr Njoroge, a story in the Nation about the desperate situation the woman had been put in by the protests had jolted him into action.
A listener only identified as Kihato from Nairobi said in a text message to the radio station that he hoped the woman would resume her matatu business. He contributed Sh10,000.
Mr Njoroge is said to have initiated the fundraising after his mega concert at Kasarani Safaricom Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday attracted more than 10,000 fans.
Kieni MP Kanini Kega had on Monday said the Jubilee Parliamentary Group would contribute to the planned purchase of a matatu this month.
Mr Kega and Tetu MP Ndung’u Gethenji claimed that the Opposition was hiding behind demands for electoral reforms with the aim of disrupting the 2017 General Election.
LIMIT INVOLVEMENT
The two lawmakers also accused foreign diplomats and local clergy of siding with the Opposition and failing to show regard to the Constitution and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“Religious leaders are making it seem like a crisis while it is an issue that we are able to handle,” said Mr Kega. “They need to limit their involvement.”
The MP opposed the meetings the diplomats and clerics have been holding with the Opposition, on whether to settle the matter outside the provisions of the law or not. He said his party would not allow further destruction of property and loss of lives in protests.
“If on Thursday the Opposition decides to go to the streets and harass hardworking citizens, they must know we will not take it lying down,” said Mr Kega without giving details.
Mr Gethenji accused the Opposition of seeking to divide the country and cause bloodshed. “The democracy of the country is on trial while it should not be as we have a Constitution.”
Last week, a protester was killed and 17 others injured, while property was destroyed in Kisumu Town. This week, Cord suspended the Monday demo, vowing to resume tomorrow if a pact is not reached. The protests have been going on for about a month.
