Elderly people gathered for a meeting.[PhotoE Daily]The National Gender and Equality Commission has indicated that old people are facing frequent physical and psychological abuse in Kenya.In a report, NGEC says that the elderly are now appealing to the government to come to their rescue.In Gatundu, Kiambu County, elderly people had gathered to celebrate Christmas together and share their problems.“We are appreciating the government for coming up with a fund to help the elderly but we are requesting that the current amount share be increased. We are living in hard economic times,” said Joseph Njuguna, an 80-year-old resident.“We would like this money to be given without discrimination. Whether one has it or not, it is meant for all old people. Like myself am not given because they think am rich enough. That should not be the case,” said Esther Wanjiku.70-year-old Kimani Njoroge said, “We do not want this money to be given by the chiefs as there is a lot of corruption and discrimination involved.”This year’s Christmas theme was, leaving no one behind: promoting a society for all.
Earlier in the year cash transfer programme, Labour Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie raised the alarm over the large amounts of money being paid to unscrupulous people from funds meant for the elderly.
She also directed Members of Parliament, who are patrons to the fund, to take charge of the committees administering the kitty in constituencies by getting rid of officials embezzling they funds.Under the programme, the government pays identified elderly persons