Kisii: Youth in Kisii have been called to respect the elderly people in the society and avoid associating them with witchcraft.

According to Kenya News Agency, the call was made over the weekend during a ceremony held in Mayata Village, Getare Sub-location, Kiamokama ward, in Nyaribari Masaba constituency, Kisii county in honour of a 105-year-old widow, Mama Agnes Moraa Ombaki. Speaking during the ceremony, former nominated senator Millicent Omanga, a granddaughter to Mama Agnes, described her long life as a blessing not only to the family but also to the wider community.

Omanga said the elderly are beacons of wisdom in society, noting that Mama Agnes’ many years of life are a source of inspiration to younger generations. She further raised concerns that many elderly and vulnerable persons are yet to be captured under government social protection programmes to enable them to benefit from monthly stipends.

Citing the current harsh economic conditions, Omanga called on the government to increase the stipends for the beneficiaries to help cushion them against the rising cost of living. Mama Agnes’ son, Anyona Ombaki, said his mother had played a key role in uniting the family, adding that they have gained greatly from her guidance and counsel over the years.

Her daughter, Martha Ombaki, said the celebration was timely, as it was important to honour the elderly while they are still alive. She encouraged families to adopt a culture of celebrating and appreciating their aged parents. A grandson, Felix Ayega, described his grandmother as a ‘living library’, saying she has been resourceful to many and has inspired people to pursue progress and self-reliance.