UDA official builds house for Homa Bay widow, pledges health cover support

Kennedy Ongati with some residents at Koyugi B location in Kibiri Ward, Karachuonyo constituency/Robert Omollo

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party leadership in Homa Bay has put a smile on the face of a widow after constructing a house for her.

The county UDA party coordinator, Kennedy Ongati, built a permanent house for widow Pamela Achieng at Koyugi B Location in Kibiri Ward, West Rarachuonyo Sub-County.

Ongati constructed the house following a request by a concerned family member. The elderly woman had been living in a dilapidated mud-walled house with a leaking roof and dusty earth floor.

Ongati said he spent more than Sh200,000 to complete the house. He noted that they are building such houses for needy and vulnerable families as a way of providing decent housing.

"Mama Pamela lived in a dilapidated house that also affected her health. We believe her health will improve because a good house is one of the basic human needs,” Ongati said.

UDA coordinator in Homa Bay Kennedy Ongati greets mama Pamela Achieng in her home in Koyugi B location in Kibiri Ward, Karachuonyo constituency/Robert Omollo

Speaking when he officially handed over the house on Tuesday, the party official urged residents to enrol in the Social Health Authority (SHA) to enable them to access medication whenever they fall sick.

SHA is a medical health insurance scheme that the Ministry of Health advises Kenyans to join for affordable healthcare services.

Ongati said the low economic status of many residents has contributed to the low uptake of health insurance coverage.

The widow will also be provided with bedding. Ongati directed that she be taken to hospital for treatment.

“We are going to pay SHA for the whole year for Mama Pamela Achieng so that she can access healthcare services. Let us strive to register for SHA because of its affordability,” he said.

Pamela Achieng is helped to walk after she was built a house by Homa Bay UDA coordinator Kennedy Ongati at Koyugi B location in Kibiri Ward, West Rarachuonyo Sub County/Robert Omollo

Achieng commended Ongati for the gesture, noting that her health had deteriorated due to the poor environment she lived in.

She said her family members were unable to build her a decent house due to poverty. The old house was reportedly infested with fleas, bedbugs and cockroaches.

“I have not been living comfortably since my husband died. Sickness has made us weak, but I thank Ongati and his team for building me a new house,” Achieng said.

Neighbours Francisca Auma, George Akumu and Rose Odhiambo said the construction of the house has relieved them of embarrassment in the community.

Auma said many believe the widow will now live a better life.

“We will try our best to support the woman to recover. We thank Ongati and his team for building the house for one of us,” she said.