Mayoni Ward MCA, Hon. Fredrick Washika Watitwa, has come to the aid of 78-year-old Mama Maria Namanuni from Nyanbula Village in Koyonzo Ward by building her a decent house after her dire living conditions were highlighted by the Bunge la Wananchi Koyonzo Chapter.
According to Hon. Watitwa, he was deeply moved after seeing photos of the dilapidated house where the elderly woman had been living for over four years since the death of her husband.
“I was saddened to see the photos of the house where this beautiful woman has been staying. I may not come from Koyonzo Ward, but humanity knows no boundaries. I am an MCA because people from all walks of life supported me, and I will never stop helping those in need,” said Hon. Watitwa.
He added that his motivation to help the less fortunate stems from his own humble beginnings.
“In my early days, I was supported by many people, and I still remember elderly women who prayed for me long before I joined politics. Their prayers were answered, and though they are no longer alive, I continue to honor their memory by serving others,” he said.
Watitwa expressed disappointment that some leaders criticize him for assisting people outside his ward.
“It saddens me that some leaders from Koyonzo and other wards feel threatened when I help people beyond Mayoni. Humanity has no borders, and I will continue to stand with those in need wherever they are,” he stated.
Speaking after receiving the new house, Mama Maria expressed her gratitude to the MCA for his generosity and compassion.
“May the good Lord bless you, my son. I have been through a lot, and I thank God for your time, effort, and resources. You have given me a new beginning,” she said.
Officials from Bunge la Wananchi challenged local leaders to prioritize the welfare of their constituents instead of only appearing during election seasons.
According to Mr. Jackton Songi, Speaker of the Koyonzo Bunge la Wananchi chapter, many leaders have neglected their people.
“Leaders only show up at the last minute to buy votes with a hundred shillings, then disappear again. During Governor Oparanya’s tenure, we saw many elderly people receive decent homes through county government programs. Sadly, that cannot be said of the current regime under Governor Barasa,” said Songi.
He added that persons living with disabilities are also facing numerous challenges that have been ignored by the county administration.
“Our differently abled brothers and sisters are struggling, yet the county government has turned its back on them. I urge the governor to intervene and restore order in his administration,” he added.
The Bunge la Wananchi team further appealed to well-wishers and local leaders to provide Mama Maria with beddings and other basic items now that her new house has been completed.
Neighbors of Mama Maria also praised Hon. Watitwa for his kindness, saying his intervention brought relief to a woman who had suffered for years.
“This old woman has gone through a lot since the death of her husband. We thank the Mayoni MCA for stepping in to help her, and we will continue supporting him in return,” they said.
Nyanbula Village lies on the far end of Matungu Constituency in Koyonzo Ward, and residents also appealed to local authorities to improve the area’s road network and infrastructure.
