Residents of Thindigua in Kiambu County are celebrating a brighter festive season following a generous donation of food hampers and household essentials from the local Kiama Kia Ma elders’ outfit.
The initiative, aimed at ensuring vulnerable families can enjoy the Christmas holidays, saw dozens of households receive packages containing wheat flour, maize flour, cooking oil, bar soap, sugar, rice, and tea leaves.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, Joseph Mbote, the Chairman of the Welfare Committee within the Thindigua elders’ group, noted that the initiative was born out of a desire to serve the community beyond traditional leadership roles.
“As elders, we decided to form a welfare program so that we can be able to help out people in need,” Mbote said. “We decided that since it is a festive season, we should give back to the community and give Christmas gifts to our people so that every family can enjoy a meal.”
Mbote revealed that the group’s outreach is not a one-off event. The elders have established a consistent monthly program visiting widows, widowers, the sick, and children’s homes. To date, the welfare group has visited over 70 homes to offer material and emotional support.
“It is a time for giving and sharing as Kenyans celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who represents love,” Mbote added.
The area Chief, Mumbi Kimani, lauded the elders for their compassion, noting that such gestures strengthen the social fabric of the sub-county.
“Our elders have shown great compassion. Because of their kindness, many families who were struggling will now enjoy Christmas with a meal on the table,” Chief Kimani said.
For beneficiaries like Wairimu Kariuki, the surprise visit from the elders was a “Christmas miracle.”
“The elders came to my home and brought me gifts. I am so grateful that they remembered me; now I will enjoy Christmas with my family. May God bless them,” she said.
The spirit of giving has resonated across the county, with various leaders calling for a calm and inclusive festive period. Leading the calls for unity, Kiambu leader Hon. Arthur Kinyanjui a front runner in Githunguri MP seat urged residents to look out for one another and maintain the peace currently enjoyed in the villages.
“We are happy with the peace we have witnessed, and I call upon the security agencies to remain on alert for any eventuality,” Kinyanjui stated.
He further encouraged those with means to emulate the Thindigua elders by reaching out to the less fortunate in their neighborhoods.
“I wish the people of Kiambu a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let us remember those who do not have and share with them. Let’s put a smile on someone’s face this festive season,” he concluded.
