Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua on Thursday surprised many when he asked well-wishers to help him furnish a house he built for an elderly couple in Nyeri County.
In April, Mutua had promised to build a house for Mzee Christopher Maina Muchoki and his wife Ann Gathigia in Iruri village, Ruguru Ward, Mathira Constituency after hearing the plight of the family.
"Last month, Lillian & I promised to build a house for Mzee Muchoki. The house is done.
"We invite you all to participate by furnishing the house (beds, sofas etc) so that we can hand it over on Friday, May 11," appealed the governor.
[caption caption="Photo of the house Mutua built"]
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Some netizens, however, did not take this positively as they wondered why the governor was not able to furnish the house.
"Come on Mr Mutua, after building such a small house you mean you need assistance to buy the little furniture?! Stop making a business out of this poor soul," wrote a Twitter user.
Others encouraged him and lauded his good deeds, asking him to keep on helping the less fortunate.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, the governor stated: "The reason we have asked others to help furnish the house is because we want to give others who would have liked to assist to participate. We are just sharing this God-given opportunity.
"Kenyans are wonderful people with big hearts."
Mzee Muchoki lost his eyesight about a year ago and sank deeper into poverty. He previously lived in what can be described as a ramshackle - wood pieces put together and with soil for a floor.
Mutua was greatly moved by the living conditions of the couple and their knowledge of his projects in Machakos County.
"It (the couple's lifestyle) reminded me of my life when I was young because I lived in similar conditions.
"They told me they used to go to the market and watch me on TV give briefings when I worked for President Mwai Kibaki. Mzee Muchoki also told me of my many projects in Machakos and I was touched when he thanked me for working hard for God’s people. He is very politically astute.
"I suspect he is suffering from cataracts and I was informed there is a nearby neighbour who is also afflicted and had lost her eyesight," remarked the governor last month.
He then committed to constructing a new house for the family using Chap Chap technology.
[caption caption="Photo of the house"]
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