Nyamira County Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi issued donations to Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) and senior citizens aged 70 and above during a ceremony held in Manga Ward.
The donations included blankets and food items for the elderly, as well as mattresses for the PLWDs. Held at the Manga Juvenile Children’s Remand Home, the event saw hundreds of local residents—young and old alike—throng to the venue to receive support from the Woman Representative.
Momanyi also donated tents to the Bomanyancha and Bosamero Self-Help Groups, noting that the equipment would assist the community during local events.
Addressing the Menace of Illicit Brews
Addressing the residents, Momanyi issued a stern warning to those selling illicit brews, stating that the trade has led to broken marriages, destroyed families, and increased school dropout rates among the youth.
“Many school dropouts are the result of parents’ indulgence in alcohol or students themselves consuming these brews,” she said.
She noted with concern a rampant “recruitment” campaign in the villages, where those who consume alcohol pressure others to join them. “How do you expect our children to get a quality education when we, the parents, are brewing and selling illicit liquor in our homes?” she asked.
The lawmaker urged the security team to hunt down and prosecute those selling ethanol, which is increasingly being used to manufacture dangerous illicit brews. Ethanol consumption is linked to severe health issues, including liver damage, cardiovascular complications, digestive problems, and cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.
“I urge our security personnel to investigate the rampant use of ethanol in local brews. We suspect these chemicals are being secretly imported into the country,” Momanyi stated, warning that society faces moral and physical decay if adulterated liquor is not eradicated.
Support from Local Administration
Manga Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner Valentine Cherono echoed Momanyi’s sentiments, calling on the church and the public to unite against the trade. She emphasized that the fight against illicit brews cannot be won by security personnel alone without the support of the clergy and the community.
“We want to fight this vice in this sub-county, but we need your help in identifying and reporting those who ferry chang’aa from outside the county to sell it here,” Cherono implored.
Inua Jamii and Political Ambitions
Regarding the delayed Inua Jamii disbursements and the frequent omission of registered senior citizens from the payroll, Momanyi promised to follow up. She suggested the issues were not a deliberate government policy but rather errors by those charged with processing the payments.
“This issue has become a thorn in the flesh, and I will escalate it to the relevant authorities to ensure it is addressed as soon as possible,” she promised.
Momanyi, who is currently in the race to unseat Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, asked the people of Manga to support her 2027 gubernatorial bid.
“I have declared my candidacy for the gubernatorial seat in 2027. It is time we changed leadership and elected a woman,” she declared.
Highlighting her track record, she cited projects such as the supply of water tanks and sanitary towels to schools, tents for self-help groups, car wash machines, and cash donations to community-based organizations.
“Many male governors do not fully grasp the mandate of devolution,” she concluded. “I am equipped with the skills to make this county one of the best in the country if I get your support.”
