80-Year-Old Neglected by Family Finds Good Samaritan

A before and after photo of Kunene who was rescued by the Usikimye NGO on Thursday, August 5.
A before and after photo of Kunene who was rescued by the Usikimye NGO on Thursday, August 5.
Twitter
Usikimye

An elderly man who had been neglected by his family members following a land dispute was rescued by a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) on Thursday, August 5.

The man, only known as Kunene was rescued and taken to a home for the aged.

Kunene, who is believed to be 80 years old and above, had been relying on well-wishers for his daily meals. They, however, were afraid to help him saying that the man's family members were heartless.

An elderly man, Kunene, who had been living in deplorable conditions before he was rescued by an NGO on Thursday, August 5.
An elderly man, Kunene, who had been living in deplorable conditions before he was rescued by an NGO on Thursday, August 5.
Twitter
Usikimye

"His brothers openly confessed and wished him dead so they can inherit his land. He has been surviving on well-wishers. We took him to Nyumba ya Wazee, Kasarani," reads a statement by the organisation on Twitter.

Doctors noted that Kunene had a heavy built up of acid, having stayed hungry on a number of occasions. In addition, Kunene had lost his mobility and crawled when he needed to move around.

"Several years back, his brothers assaulted him and removed his teeth."

The organisation is now appealing to Kenyans of goodwill to help in buying diapers and other necessities for Kunene.

"We need to allow people to live a life of dignity in their old age."

The elderly require adequate care especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Recent reports, however, indicate that they suffer neglect, abandonment or abuse.

The government has on a number of occasions warned that they are at a higher risk of succumbing to the disease due to their waning immunity.

“The Covid 19 pandemic is putting older persons at risk for it’s more than just a deadly disease, it has increased their risk of experiencing physical, emotional and financial abuse.

"It is imperative that the government and the public should take the responsibility to safeguard the senior citizens from this pandemic," the report says.

Elderly people mark the United Nations 8th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2013. On May 4, 2020, a group of elderly men and women held a protest in Laikipia County.
Elderly people mark the United Nations 8th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2013. On May 4, 2020, a group of elderly men and women held a protest in Laikipia County.
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