• Ichagaki MCA Charles Mwangi wrote to the county assembly clerk, instructing him to facilitate the donation of his salary to the board.
• The MCA said the government requires the help of all Kenyans to fight the pandemic.
Image: ALICE WAITHERA
A member of Murang’a county assembly has donated his April salary to the Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund Board to help in the fight against the virus.
Ichagaki MCA Charles Mwangi last week on Tuesday wrote to the assembly clerk, requesting to have his salary remitted to the fund.
The MCA said the fight against the pandemic requires the concerted efforts of all Kenyans and that donating his salary is the only way he could make his contribution to saving lives.
Mwangi commended the national government for the efforts it has made to control the pandemic, especially the cessation of movement in Nairobi, Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa counties, which have recorded the highest number of cases.
He said the urban-rural migration that has been experienced since the virus was reported in the county would have worsened during the Easter festivities and spread further.
He, however, said it is the responsibility of all Kenyans, especially leaders, to support the fight in every way possible.
“I have donated my salary to the national committee because it covers the entire country, and to set an example to other leaders to also chip in."
The first-time MCA said the government cannot win the war against the virus without the total support and co-operation of Kenyans.
He also called on the government to widely publicise bank accounts and pay bill numbers set up for contributions from Kenyans of goodwill.
“A pay bill number is especially important because it makes it possible for someone to donate any amount of money through their mobile phone," he said.
The board’s chairperson Jane Karuku on Monday urged Kenyans to give their donations through Absa Bank, account name Kenya Covid-19, on account number 2042554653 or M-Pesa Pay bill 999000, using their names as the account number.
Karuku said the funds will go towards supplying medical facilities and equipment and supporting the poor.
Last year, the MCA was hailed by his voters after he used his individual funds to refill the dilapidated road leading to Maragua town from the Kenol Murang’a road.
The road has been in a poor state and is characterised by huge potholes that had made it impossible for matatu operators to ply the area. Residents, at some point, cautioned leaders against holding any political meeting there until the road is rehabilitated.
The MCA’s decision to donate his salary follows a similar announcement by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who said he will use his April salary to support his poor constituents with food and protective gear.
Edited by R.Wamochie