Embu County Commissioner Abdullahi Galgalo came to the rescue of an elderly blind couple from Mbeere South after their plight was highlighted by NTV.
The Commissioner set up a fundraiser during the Mashujaa Day celebrations aimed at constructing a decent house for the couple who have been living in abject poverty.
The story of Benjamin Nyaga and Loice Wanja who were both born blind aired on NTV on Saturday, October 17 as they explained their financial struggles.
Galgalo mobilised a fundraiser as Embu County marked the celebrations and managed to raise Ksh.70,000 that will be channeled to constructing a house for the couple.
The couple has been married for 40 years and has been blessed with four children that they have struggled to raise.
"I educated my poor children, some completed high school while others were unfortunate not to complete secondary education," explained Wanja.
Nyaga has been a tobacco seller since 1967 but has seen his profits dwindle over the years.
Galgalo urged leaders including the Embu Governor Martin Wambora to raise funds to construct a home for the couple.
"Last week there was a story on NTV of an elderly couple that is living in deplorable conditions, I wonder why my chief did not know about the couple to enroll them in the elderly cash program.
"I want us to take 10 minutes to raise money to build a home for the couple. I want the MCA and the Deputy County Commissioner to ensure that the funds are wisely used," noted Galgalo.
The Commissioner was touched by the story and urged residents to emulate the resilience of the blind couple that has been struggling to make ends meet.
He directed the two leaders to ensure that a photo is sent to him upon completion of the house and promised to visit the couple personally.
Aside from the construction of a new home, the couple will also be enrolled in the cash transfer programme designed for the elderly and persons living with disability.
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