Well-wishers build house for abandoned, poverty stricken co-wives

Contrary to popular belief that co-wives are perennial enemies, two women in Kirinyaga County have stuck together even after their husband passed on.

Veronica Wambere, 80, introduced Beatrice Wawira, 63, into her Riagacheru home as her co-wife, after she discovered she was barren. Little did they know that they would form a strong friendship even after everyone deserted them.

When their husband passed away after a short illness, Wawira's three children abandoned them too, never to be seen or heard from again.

Bore No Fruit;Well-wishers stepped in

The co-wives fell into a life of poverty since could not work owing to old age. A monthly stipend from the government towards the elderly, has been a foreign word to them. They say they registered their names with the local authorities but that bore no fruit.

Wamwere has been stuck in a wheelchair, while Wawira is visually impaired. The duo had been hopping from one door to another, seeking alms. "I go to one person's house and borrow a piece of soap. I go to another's I get a kilo of maize. Whatever I get we share it with Wamwere," Wawira said.

However, their lives changed after the media shed highlighted their plight. Now, well wishers have turned their life for the better.

New Brick House

Now, the co-wives cannot hold back their joy after well-wishers erected for them a brick house. The house replaces the dilapidated iron sheeting hovel they were living in. In addition, the Good Samaritans promised to cater for their basic needs.

"Wawira used to tire a lot washing my muddy clothes because of the earth floor, now the floor is very smooth and clean," Wambere said.

But a flash of sorrow still hangs on their faces, seeing that their children have not returned home in spite of the media coverage.