Ndhiwa: More than 100 senior citizens in Ndhiwa Sub-County have been struck off the list of beneficiaries under the government's Inua Jamii cash transfer programme, sparking outrage among residents.
According to Kenya News Agency, Gordon Shem Ogolla, Chairman of Ndhiwa Sub-County Bunge la Wenye Nchi, stated that the names were quietly removed without notice, leaving many elderly persons unable to access the Sh2,000 monthly stipend they rely on for survival.
"It is unfortunate that even our patron has been struck off the list. When he went to inquire, he was told his name had been removed from above and there was nothing the local officials could do to assist," Ogolla said.
He added that the group initially discovered that 200 names were missing from the Ndhiwa office records, but the number later rose to 300 and continued to grow. Ogolla questioned why the government failed to notify beneficiaries before deleting their names, terming the action unfair and unconstitutional.
"These senior citizens have worked for the nation, paid taxes, and it is their right under Article 57(b) of the Constitution to be supported by the state and their families. Denying them this stipend is tantamount to taking away their rights," he said.
The chairman pointed out that the sudden removal could have dire consequences for widows and other elderly citizens who depend on the stipend to cater for their daily needs, including looking after orphaned grandchildren.
Bunge la Wenye Nchi patron Robert Odhiambo, who missed his June and July payments, said he was shocked to learn that his name no longer appeared in the system. "They took my ID to confirm only to tell me my name was missing and they did not know why. The elderly persons are important in this country. We vote; we pray for the nation. Some of us are handicapped or blind and this stipend is our lifeline," Odhiambo lamented.
The locals are now calling on the government to intervene and reinstate the affected beneficiaries and further called for public participation before such decisions are made. They suggested that if changes must occur, a notice period of at least six months to two years should be given.