Samburu: Pain as 65-Year-Old Man, His Teenage Son Are Rescued after Facing Hunger
- Emmanuel Lengewa and his son's lives drastically changed after they lost their livestock to bandits
- They have been unable to fend for themselves and have been living in hunger following the heartbreaking incident
- The Samburu family was rescued and taken to the Samburu County Referral Hospital to receive treatment
In the arid stretches of Samburu county, where silence often conceals suffering, a father and son have been facing hunger.
Source: Youtube
Emmanuel Lengewa and his son were found locked in their homestead, too weak to cry out and too malnourished to move.
Their plight could have remained hidden had they not been found, and their story shared, prompting help.
What happened to Lengewa's livestock?
Sixty-five-year-old Lengewa painfully opened up about the grim reality of his and his son's condition in the hunger-stricken environment.
"I had possessions, but all were stolen (by bandits). Right now, I sit here like a poor man. I have nothing. I sit here hungry with my son. I stay here hungry. Nothing to eat," the sexagenarian said.
Lengewa's livestock were stolen by bandits, leaving him without any source of income or means of subsistence.
Ibrahim Lesilampa, a resident, said Lengewa relies on help from his neighbours, though the assistance is not consistent.
How old is Lengewa's son with disability?
"He depends on his neighbours for food. He had a lot of property, including cows and goats, which were unfortunately stolen by bandits, and right now he has nothing," he said.
Lengewa's son has a disability, which hinders him from searching for food or caring for his father during these desperate times.
The 17-year-old boy also suffers from severe malnutrition, compounding the challenges brought on by his disability.
Ever since losing their livestock, Lengewa's family has been trapped in a cycle of hunger and hopelessness.
Nutritionist assesses Samburu man's malnourishment
"Once in a while, when they are fed by well-wishers, they start walking. But the aid is not coming consistently, and we plead for help from well-wishers," Nicholas Lemeteki, a resident, said.
Njeri Lekartiwa, a nutritionist, assessed Lengewa's son's condition and noted he was at risk of death if he did not receive timely treatment.
She attributed the boy’s condition to a lack of a balanced diet, as he and his father barely get enough food.
Rescuers transported Lengewa and his son in a wheelbarrow to Samburu County Referral Hospital for treatment.
Kenyans react to malnourished Samburu man
The heartbreaking story saw social media users flock to the comment section to share their reactions:
estherkirigo8427:
"Surely, where is the chief of this area? Where is the MCA? Do we have local leaders here? This is shameful."
kelvinomare6021:
"Pastoralists should stop relying solely on livestock and start crop farming. The land looks rich."
msuzann6005:
"Our leaders speak big, but do nothing. Absolutely nothing."
graceamadi1096:
"Where are these churches that have been receiving millions from Ruto? You pastors, where is your act of charity? Shame on Ruto and his likes. Can’t you help people like this instead of using the money to bribe those seeking support? Huna utu."
Source: Youtube
Bungoma granny seeks KSh 210,000 to treat grandchild
In another story, a Bungoma grandmother sought KSh 210,000 to treat her malnourished grandchild, who had been abandoned by the mother.
Margaret Makunda noted she was distressed after being left to care for her grandchild, whose health was deteriorating.
She initially thought the grandchild, who has a mental illness, was suffering from cerebral palsy, only to later learn he was malnourished and needed essential minerals.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
