The Mountain Journal
editor@themountainjournal.co.ke
Hundreds of Kenyans celebrated Christmas in style as they received goodies from friends, relatives and leaders some in noisy and silent backyards
During the Christmas season, Kenya’s political class offered a familiar tableau across the country where senior politicians distributed foodstuffs and cash, and documented the events extensively on social media where scores were injured in the scramble for goodies.
Without rallies, speeches or cameras, Murang’a County Government quietly piloted a digital mass-distribution system, using Christmas gifts as a test case and reached more than 135,000 people..
Governor Irungu Kang’ata this time ensured their goodies were distributed to the needy persons with dignity as his administration embraced electronic mode sending links through the mobile phones directing the residents of venues to collect their food stuff.
Kang’ata launched the Christmas season early in the week announcing that the locals would receive goodies at their door step.
“ My administration chose to provide dignity to the needy residents in the distribution of the Christmas and New Year gifts, as the links directed the beneficiaries to the selected outlets to redeem their gifts,” said the Governor speaking at General Ihura grounds.
He said he believed in working in silence compared to spectacles to ensure the satisfaction of the electorate..
Murang’a residents celebrated the use of the technology that saved them from scenes of embarrassment elsewhere in the scramble for the Christmas gifts.
Peter Njoroge said Murang’a people were saved from the scenario of long queues, where the young and old used to cheer with branded clothes and merchandise.
“ In the social media the photographs shared online, Murang’a people are missing as evidence of compassion and connection was employed by the Governor, “ said Njoroge.
Mercy Wambui a resident of Mathira lauds Kang’ata for initiating the that has restored the dignity of the people, calling on other leaders to follow suit to protect the women and children from brutality.
“ Leaders should demonstrate dignity when sharing food with the needy persons to ensure fights do not occur as some of the beneficiaries are our parents,” said Wambui.
Solomon Mwangi Nyambura in Kangari said the beneficiaries did not assemble at stadiums or chiefs’ camps or political functions but instead received notifications and accessed their Christmas allocation at ordinary retail outlets.
“For the first time the needy have been treated with dignity, thanks to rolling out of digital technology,” said Mwangi, a father of three.
