Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi (centre) when he hosted an early Christmas celebration for 300 elderly citizens drawn from the constituency/HANDOUTWestlands MP Tim Wanyonyi has hosted an early Christmas celebration for 300 elderly citizens from the five wards of the Westlands constituency – Kangemi, Mountain View, Kitisuru, Parklands, and Karura.
The event, which took place at Visa Oshwal Primary School, was filled with music, dance, prayer, and shared joy, making for a memorable day for all involved.
The colourful gathering was not just a holiday celebration, but also an opportunity to honour the senior citizens who are considered the backbone of the Westlands community.
Wanyonyi emphasised that the elderly hold a special place in the heart of the community and his leadership journey.
Each elder at the celebration received Christmas goodies, continuing the MP’s long-standing tradition of ensuring that every family, including those who remain in Nairobi during the holidays, has something to celebrate with.
The gesture was met with great appreciation from the attendees.
In his address to the gathering, Wanyonyi delivered an emotional and deeply personal message to the elderly.
“You are our mothers — the people who gave birth to us and took care of us until we built our own homes. I can never forget you,” he said. “When I first came to Westlands, you didn’t know me. I walked to you, we spoke, and you accepted me. People wondered who this was because you were used to a different style of leadership, one that relied on force. I said I would talk to you, embrace you, and serve without segregating anyone — and you welcomed me.”
Wanyonyi went on to emphasise the irreplaceable role of elders in society. While youth often take center stage in political discourse, the MP noted that it is the elders who remain the moral compass and source of wisdom for every community.
He stressed that their prayers, guidance, and encouragement have been instrumental in the progress of the area.
Over the years, Wanyonyi has introduced several social protection programmes tailored specifically for senior citizens, most notably the sponsorship of National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) coverage, which has since been transitioned to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
This initiative ensures that the elderly can access healthcare reliably and affordably, an effort Wanyonyi reaffirmed during the event.
“We said we would pay your NHIF, which is now SHA, so that you are taken care of — and we continue paying,” Wanyonyi told the audience, who responded with loud applause and cheers.
The MP also reflected on the significance of education, pointing out that many elders bring their grandchildren to his office seeking bursaries. His office, he assured them, will continue to respond to this need in the coming years.
A senior citizen gets a helping hand after receiving Christmas gifts when Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi hosted the elderly people from the constituency at Visa Oshwal Primary School/HANDOUTAs he looked back on his political journey, Wanyonyi reassured the elders that the future of Westlands is in good hands.
“When Abraham walked with Isaac to sacrifice, Isaac asked where the sacrifice was. Abraham said God would provide. Even when I leave, God will provide a leader for Westlands,” he said, offering a message of hope and continuity.
He went on to say that whoever is chosen to lead the constituency in the future will be guided by the same principles of service and care.
“Whoever we place our hands on will take care of you. You have the power — if leaders come to joke, remove them and put new ones,” Wanyonyi said, encouraging the elders to remain vigilant in ensuring that their needs are met by capable leadership.
Wanyonyi also took the opportunity to caution against individuals eyeing the Westlands parliamentary seat without the ability to lead.
“There are people eyeing the Westlands seat but cannot even take care of their own homes,” he remarked. “At the right time, I will guide you on the right person to support. If they joke, I will tell them to step aside. They must take care of you as I have done.”
Looking ahead, Wanyonyi reaffirmed his commitment to complete all ongoing projects in the remaining two years of his term.
