President William Ruto rescued 11 people whose businesses were razed down by a fire in Maua town in Meru County.
The President donated Ksh1 million to help those affected rebuild their business and support their families.
Ruto's first donation as the head of state was delivered by Igembe South Member of Parliament Paul Mwirigi, on Thursday, September 29.
Speaking after receiving the aid, a business lady expressed her gratitude, noting that Ruto had helped her make ends meet, afford daily meals and take her kids to school.
"We have cried for a long time, and we are happy. At least we will get a meal and our children can go back to school," she stated.
Another trader narrated that the inferno left her with a Ksh6 million loss since her business stock was consumed by the inferno.
"I lost everything and even the clothes I am wearing were donated. I have a daughter who is a graduate teacher but is unemployed. If she gets a job, she can help lift the family," she stated.
"It was a big blow since I had just restocked and retired for the day early. We are struggling with loans and other financial obligations," she added.
On his part, Mwirigi pleaded with Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, asking her to improve the disaster management unit to prevent further losses.
Mwirigi further detailed that county fire engines stationed at Maua had broken down, exposing the sorry state of the county's emergency response unit.
The lawmaker who made headlines after former President Uhuru Kenyatta gifted him a brand new car after the 2017 General Election maintained that with a proper emergency service unit, the fire would have been contained.
"If we had a working fire engine, the damage would have been stemmed. This is the second largest town in the county and the business community deserves better services," he stated.
