Kenya’s law enforcement officers have for years been feared for their reputation of crime and violence against innocent Kenyans and the most vulnerable.
But this is the opposite for Assistant Chief Samuel Indakwa Maero, who has for years been putting smiles on the faces of the poor, the elderly, and people who need special care, most of them those neglected by families and relatives.
Maero started his philanthropic activities three years ago before his employment as the Assistant Chief for Uhuyi Sub-location in Ruwe location, Ugunja Sub-county, Siaya County.
The father of four says that he has set a day every week to visit needy people where he helps them appropriately, including washing the feet of those infested with jiggers and helping apply medication.
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“During such visits, we show them love by sharing a meal or whatever little we have,” he said, adding that part of the call includes helping the destitute to wash their clothes, beddings, and general cleaning.
Besides hygiene and other chores, Maero, with the help of Community Health Volunteers and village elders, uses the opportunity to pass government messages to the beneficiaries of his philanthropy.
“Some cannot attend my public baraza to get information, and I have to take government messages to them during such visits,” he says.
Tabitha Matakwa Weya, one of the beneficiaries of Maero’s philanthropy, is said to have survived death after being abandoned by her family due to physical deformities.
“She had been abandoned by her only daughter who nobody knows her whereabouts to date, and with nothing to eat, Weya had resorted to mixing soil and salt that she would eat,” said the Assistant Chief.
Weya’s heartbreaking story touched Maero’s heart, who decided to set aside 30 percent of his monthly salary to cater for the 76-year-old widow, whose husband died some years back.
His efforts were lauded by Siaya residents, who say that he is always there for the downtrodden in the community.
