A widower from Muchungucha, Murang’a County, has received a new home, restoring dignity to his struggling family, thanks to a philanthropic initiative.
Obadiah Kariuki, a father of four, had been living in a dilapidated iron-sheet house with his children and grandchildren. His situation worsened after taking on the caregiving role for his mentally challenged daughter.
During the house handover, Kariuki expressed gratitude, saying the new home will shield his family from humiliation. “People used to mock us, but now we have a fresh start,” he said.
The house was built by Can Do Kids International, a charitable organization led by Karanja Mburu Wamatangi. He revealed that his organization has constructed 21 houses for needy families in Kiharu.
“We have also furnished the house and provided new clothes for the family,” Wamatangi said, adding that he will sponsor Kariuki’s grandchild’s education while supporting other school-going children in the household.
Wamatangi, a politician, urged the government to restructure its affordable housing program to benefit rural communities. He suggested that many Kenyans, who already own land, should be granted low-interest loans to build decent homes.
He also criticized the cost of government-built houses, arguing that they are overpriced. “This three-bedroom house cost KSh 1.1 million, yet government units sell for up to KSh 3 million,” he noted.
Further, Wamatangi called on legislators to enact policies that genuinely benefit the electorate. With the 2027 elections nearing, he warned that Kenyans will vote for leaders who represent their interests.