Semelang’o donates food, basic items to Kenyan families following coronavirus crisis

By Brian Okoth, K24 Digital
On Sat, 11 Apr, 2020 13:10 | 2 mins read

Gor Semelang’o will spend 30 days in prison after he defaulted on a Ksh9 million debt, and, consequently, evaded police arrest. [PHOTO | FILE]
Semelang’o joins a list of well-wishers who have distributed food and other basic items to vulnerable families as COVID-19 crisis continues. [PHOTO | FILE]

City businessman and philanthropist Gor Semelang’o joins a list of well-wishers who have distributed food and other basic items to vulnerable families in different parts of Kenya as COVID-19 crisis continues.

Semelang’o who, in October 2019 avoided a 30-day civil jail sentence after settling Ksh3 million which he owed an advocate, says he understands the economic hardship Kenyans are going through following the outbreak of coronavirus.

Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu are some of the places Semelang’o has distributed the basic items targeting more than 500 families.

On Friday, April 10, Semelang’o oversaw the distribution of foodstuff and other commodities at Mabatini and Ngei wards in Mathare Sub-County. The function was attended by the area MCAs Wilfred Oluoch and Redson Otieno respectively.

The businessman says many low-income families have been hit hard by the financial hardship wrought by the coronavirus outbreak in Kenya, which has so far been diagnosed in 189 people.

"I have brought some sugar, cooking oil, maize flour and soap for each of the families in Mathare. They need these items, especially at this hour when life is proving too unbearable. I am motivated to help not because I am rich but so as to share what I have," said Semelang’o while donating the items.

Mabatini Ward MCA Wilfred Oluoch said he was grateful to his “friend” (Semelang’o) for the donations.

"These items will come in handy,” he said.

"Several families are struggling at the moment and we are hoping that more people come in and share what they have with us at this time of need,” added Oluoch.

Many low-income families across different parts of Kenya have undergone tough economic times after the government on March 27 imposed the 7pm to 5am curfew. The hardest hit section of the labour force are boda boda operators, green grocers, among others.

Gor Semelang’o said he has set aside at least Ksh25 million for the donation of foodstuff to vulnerable families affected by the developments.

He said the exercise will go on for two weeks.