By Arnold Ageta
At least 5,000 residents in Nyamira County are expected to benefit from free eye screening and treatment in a countywide medical campaign targeting underserved communities.
The exercise, organized by the Morara Apiemi Foundation in partnership with the Douglas Orutwa Onkeo Foundation and Light and Hope Initiative, began with residents turning up in large numbers at St Joseph’s Nyamira Parish to receive free eye services.
The screening is aimed at identifying eye conditions and providing beneficiaries with eyeglasses and other necessary treatment.
Speaking during the exercise, Philemon Morara Apiemi said residents requiring specialized medical attention would also be supported to access further treatment.
“We have organized these free medical camps throughout the county to ensure that underprivileged residents receive eye medical services near their homes,” Apiemi said.
Similar exercises were held at Nyabara Ibere Shopping Centre, Our Lady of Mercy Ibara Catholic Church and Miruka Catholic Church.
The campaign also covered Orwaki Resource Centre, Kea, Omobiro and Magwagwa in North Mugirango.
“I am targeting 5,000 people with eye problems here in West Mugirango from the four centres,” Apiemi said.
The next phase of the campaign will be held at Gianchore, Bumburia, Kegogi, Ikonge, Igena Itambe and Rianyagemi, while the final round will cover Mokomoni, Nyaramba, Manga and Mekenene.
Apiemi, who is eyeing the Nyamira senatorial seat in the 2027 elections, said he would establish an eye clinic in every ward in the county if elected.
He also accused the county government of mismanaging public funds, blaming what he described as inadequate oversight by the current senator.
“Counties are working and some are doing wonderful development projects, but what is lacking is transparency and accountability because we lack proper oversight from those we elected to do that,” he said.
Apiemi further criticized voters for electing leaders based on handouts, arguing that the practice was undermining development.
“We vote for people who give us money without knowing where the money has come from, the source of their wealth and the kind of work they have been doing,” he said.
He urged residents to scrutinize candidates and make informed choices ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that voter bribery would continue to undermine development.
Apiemi said Nyamira also needed serious investment to stimulate economic growth and create jobs for young people.
“As leaders, we need to sit down, have serious talks about the issues affecting the people of Nyamira and unite to help them,” he said. “We have administrative challenges which need urgent attention.”
He called for greater public involvement in monitoring county affairs, saying residents were the direct beneficiaries of government services.
“I am ready to serve the people of Nyamira if given a chance, but we need to elect leaders with integrity who will serve the people,” Apiemi said.
