A total of 462 women from Nyeri spent the night in the cold streets of Nyeri after county officials failed to pay them their dues, after entertaining attendants at Madaraka Day celebrations.
“We walked from Kabiru-ini grounds after the county government neglected us. But we appreciate the President has saved us,” said Leah Mumbi one traditional dancer.
On Friday morning, the women reached out to the State House after a disappointing standoff with the county government. The State House is said to have facilitated the payment of Sh3.2 million to the group following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s intervention.
The women were each paid their promised Sh1,000 daily for the six days they practiced the dances prior to Madaraka Day celebrations at Kabiru-ini grounds in Nyeri County.
“The President intervened and they have been paid. The money is for allowance fee promised for the six days they had practiced their songs prior to the celebrations,” said Mr Karuku.
The women had camped in Nyeri town with some caring for their babies in the cold.
The women thrilled the crowd at the stadium with traditional songs and dances in the event attended President Kenyatta, DP William Ruto, ambassadors and other dignitaries.