Kenya: Envoy Visit Brings Out Woes of Nanyuki Home

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Asha Muktar

13 July 2011

A new team was elected to head Nanyuki Children Homes 12 hours before the visit by American Ambassador Scott Gration.

The incoming committee led by businessman George Muchemi and Agriculture Society of Kenya national vice chairman Joseph Gachagua were elected on Monday night during elections conducted in a hotel.

The hurriedly convened elections were called to save the home from embarrassment during Gration visit. The visit coincided with wrangles pitting the ousted committee against Child Wellfare Society of Kenya. Last week donors, police and the old committee, led by outgoing chairman John Kingi, were locked out of the home by senior officials from CWSK.

Since then, the troubled home has been under guard by hired bouncers who man the gate to ensure only authorised persons are allowed in. But Helen Kurutu, one of the founders of the home and who is among the ousted officials, dismissed the election saying the right procedure was not followed. “They held the elections in a crude way without informing the other members and the old committee. We do not recognize the new team,” Kurutu said.

But Ida Bruno, one of the CWSK board member, said her office is ready to work with the new officials. “We are here to take care of the children and the old team has been misleading donors. We do not need them here anymore,” Bruno said.

She said all donors should pass through CWSK head office in Nairobi. Last month a British donor complained that CWSK had misused funds for the home.

Bill Kirk, who is the director of the UK-based Nanyuki Children’s Home Charitable Trust, said the organisation has been sending Sh2.5million yearly through CWSK but themoney has not been reaching the home.

During his visit Yesterday, Gration was accompanied by his wife Judy who worked as a volunteer at the home nearly three decades ago. Gration, who later proceeded to Mpala Ranch, said he was happy to find the home in good condition. “We were not sure if we would find the gate open or closed, but we are happy we were welcomed and also find the home where my wife worked as a volunteer is still there and looking after tomorrows generation,” said the envoy.

The three top newly elected officials were on hand to welcome Gration and his team but the old team and the provincial administration skipped the event.

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