Community service champion Judith Kiragu has stood with cancer patients and survivors in Giaki, where she donated food items and essential supplies to help families celebrate the holidays with dignity.
The Initiative brought together partners and community health promoters who work alongside Ms Kiragu in supporting cancer patients .
Community Service Champion Judith Kiragu adresses the patients.Photo by Brian Gitonga
Organisers said the outreach is aimed to reduce the burden faced by patients who often spend most of their income on treatment and transport.
Speaking during the event, Ms Kiragu said the festive season offers an opportunity to show compassion and stand with those going through difficult times.
She explained that the community service initiatives are designed to tackle poverty and health challenges, especially among families with limited resources.
“This is a season of love and demonstrating love. That is why I am here with my partners. We work together in matters of community service to help especially the vulnerable in society in matters of health and poverty eradication. We have managed to buy a Christmas package that is balanced with carbohydrates and proteins so that in this Christmas time, they can have a good time,” said Ms Kiragu.
She added that cancer patients often face severe financial strain due to repeated hospital visits and medication costs.
After discussing the matter with her partners and seeking their support, she worked with community health promoters to identify the most vulnerable patients so they could receive Christmas food packages.
“ When I approached my friend, Fridah Karambu, she approached CHP who collected names of the patients and survivors They compiled that list and we were able to buy them food so that at least this Christmas, they can also celebrate as the others,” said Ms Kiragu.
She also expressed gratitude to individuals and institutions who regularly stand with her in community service activities.
She highlighted continued assistance from friends serving in senior government offices, as well as well-wishers such as lawyer Mugambi Imanyara, who have repeatedly supported cancer relief efforts.
“ I want to express gratitude to those supporting me in this matter of community service and especially some of the staff who work in the office of the deputy president and others whom we support each other in these programs. I also want to thank Lawyer Mugambi Imanyara for his support in supporting cancer patients,” said Ms Kiragu.
She said many patients under the programme have managed to access treatment through the Social Health Authority scheme, enabling them to undergo procedures such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
She said that several beneficiaries have successfully completed treatment and regained their health.
Among the beneficiaries attending the event was cancer survivor Rose Kajuju from Mitunguu, who thanked Ms Kiragu and her partners for remembering patients who often feel forgotten during the festive season.
She explained that many survivors struggle financially after using most of their savings on medication and hospital visits.
Ms Kajuju appealed to the government to improve access to treatment equipment in local facilities.
Cancer survivor Rose Kajuju speaks to the press. Photo by Brian Gitonga.
She noted that the absence of radiotherapy services in Meru forces many patients to travel long distances, a situation that weakens them further and increases the risk of losing their lives before receiving care.
“ I appeal to the government to equip hospitals in Meru with radiotherapy machines. This is because many patients who are unable to travel to Nairobi for radiotherapy sessions end up dying when the diseases reaches the final stages,” said Ms Kajuju.
She further expressed appreciation to the organisers, saying the donation not only provided food but restored hope to families who would have celebrated Christmas with nothing.
Ms Kajuju encouraged leaders to continue supporting similar initiatives so that cancer patients do not walk their journey alone.
