Kenyans on twitter have recently reacted to a photo that was making round on social media capturing a guard who was feeding one of the disabled youngsters in the streets. With some impressed by this act of humanity, some have come out to share their disturbing encounters with some of the street youngsters who pose as needy people.
Tales have been told of cartels who are benefiting from the disability of others by placing them on the streets of Nairobi to beg and as the day ends they take the money only to pay them with a few coins. Some how the humane fall victims as they fill the pockets of others in the name of helping the needy. How unfortunate that genuine acts of kindness can be misused by the people said to be behind this business. They are said to drop them and pick them up later in the day.
It is said that certain streets in the city have become a nightmare because some of the youngsters pose a threat to the security of individuals. They will either con you, rob you or even attack you at night when you fail to offer them what they ask for.
In reaction to this photo, Kenyans on twitter praised the guard for his acts of kindness while some Kenyans appeared to be familiar with the person receiving help and others went ahead to share their encouters.
I know the boy being fed so well, sorry to say but his father is the one who has placed him on the streets. Its not just him but they are about 20 and each one has a target of 3k to 4k to collect per day. He brutalizes them if the target is not reached. He pays handlers 400ksh.
— Abbott Okello Oteyo (@okello_72) October 15, 2018
I personally stopped giving the kid money the moment I realised he has a nice phone and was communicating with someone in the evening to come and pick him.
— Hon Lee Makwiny (@leemakwiny) October 15, 2018
Gave cash to a certain Mama sometimes back and then kumfuata nikaona akipeana io doh,nlijicheka tu. The only people I give are the blind men who sing with a guitar and probably a certain Woman with her daughters. At least they do something. ?
— Ndonyo Kamau (@NdonyoKamau) October 15, 2018
Early this year I bought this boy a brand new wheelchair . After reading some of tgese responses Im not sure if I was played . I moved on and whenever we meet in the streets we great each other .
— The Herb (@HerbertOcholi) October 15, 2018
If gou think giving street guys money is helping you need to rethink. Their sponsors are probably living better than you on your donations
— Nick (@kelienick) October 15, 2018
Have seen him, since I started frequenting NCBD in 2015, there was a lady who used to sit with him before, but not anymore, maybe since he has grown. He even has a nice phone, I don’t give him anything, because am sure he is brought there for business
— Mercychep (@Mercychep14) October 15, 2018
Najua huyo beggar ,hioni kampuni ya mtu,don’t get easily deceived by this Nai beggars but…nvm
— Mutukuvic (@Th1nbandit) October 15, 2018
This man is so rude in the cbd,he once got hold of my hand demanding for money and he didn’t want to let go..,that’s business.
— juma raj (@jumaraj254) October 15, 2018
Just another cartel! I’m surprised people don’t know this game by now
— Eddy ⚪ (@eddyjetface) October 15, 2018