Leaders, charities step in with donations to bring smiles to widows during Christmas in Kisii

As families across the country continue to celebrate Christmas, widows and other vulnerable residents in Kisii County were not left out of the festive spirit thanks to a generous donation drive supported by well-wishers.

At the Pefa church in Daraja Mbili, at least 40 widows received a range of Christmas food and non-food items and festive gifts courtesy of Purity International.

Local charity coordinator Rebbeca Moseti valued the donations at Sh200,000.

She said the initiative was part of the organisation’s efforts to help those whose circumstances make celebrating the festive season difficult.

She underscored the numerous challenges widows face — including social stigma and economic hardship — urging more groups and individuals to support vulnerable populations during festive periods and beyond.

At Kisii Embassy Chapel, Pastor Peteror Morwabe led church staff in putting smiles on more than 100 street children who showed up for lunch.

Christmas was a time, he said, to show love, compassion, and generosity, especially to the vulnerable.

“These children are part of our community. Christmas reminds us that sharing what little we have can restore dignity and hope,” he said.

The cleric, with the help of volunteers and well-wishers, provided meals, soft drinks, and basic necessities.

Beyond the food, he took time to talk to the children, encouraging them to believe in a better future and assuring them that they are valued.

Morwabe also urged the community and leaders to work together to address the root causes that push children to the streets, including poverty and family breakdown.

“Feeding them today is important, but we must also think about long-term solutions,” he noted.

He is currently sponsoring dozens of the street children for craft courses in various Tvet centres in the region.

In Nyaribari Chache, local MP Zaheer Jhanda said the festive season was a time to share with the less fortunate and reflect on the importance of togetherness and leadership focused on improving livelihoods.

He also rooted for William Ruto’s two term push.

“As we celebrate Christmas, we must also support leaders who are committed to transforming the lives of ordinary Kenyans,” Jhanda said, noting that he believes President Ruto’s agenda aligns with the needs of grassroots communities.

The MP distributed food items, including rice, maize flour, and cooking oil, to vulnerable families, widows, and the elderly. Children were also treated to sweets and soft drinks, creating a festive atmosphere that drew large crowds.

Jhanda used the occasion to call for peace and unity, urging residents to support government programs aimed at boosting agriculture and small businesses.

“Development thrives where there is peace and cooperation,” he said.

There were however shocking scenes of intoxicated men sprawled along streets and pavements in Kisii, Keroka and Ogembo as Kenyans marked Christmas celebrations, raising concerns over public safety and responsible revel.

By evening, some streets were littered with empty bottles while visibly drunk individuals struggled to make their way home, drawing crowds of onlookers and, in some cases, police attention.