- Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr sparked anger at a statement about HIV at Homa Bay, which many considered to be careless and stigmatized
- His views, which he made during the occasion of allowing young people heading to the Kyisa games, seem to say that HIV has been made very common in the area, and his remarks to spark public anger
- Residents and leaders condemned the remarks, saying they undermine the work of many years to reduce stigma and misinformation in society
- Kilonzo later apologized to governor Gladys Wanga and residents of Homa Bay, admitting to misunderstand and elaborating on his intention
Makueni – Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior has found himself in the midst of public anger after making a complex statement that seemed to stigmatize Homa Bay County residents due to HIV/AIDS prevalence in the area.
Source: Facebook
While pointing to the Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) team expected to take place in Homa Bay, Kilonzo gave what he claimed to be alert to the youth of his county.
However, his humorous attempt during the speech was facing an immediate crisis after it appeared to suggest that living with HIV had become so common in Homa Bay so that residents asked others to take their antiretroviral drugs on their behalf.
“Homa Bay is a good county, with lovely islands, many hotels, and many other interesting things. When you get there … they have no problem with HOPIA Homa Bay. In fact, I was told by a doctor who came to see me last week that people here are walking freely along the road saying, 'Please go and take my medicine.' There is no stigma … it is part of life I urge you to be careful, ” Kilonzo said during the event.
The governor claimed to be speaking as a parent who cares about the well -being of the youth, but his views were quickly written to be careless and apathy.
Many felt that the governor despised them in an unfair way of Homa Bay residents and undermined the ongoing struggle against HIV stigma.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dby-FPJWMG
Why did Kilonzo apologize to Homa Bay residents
The remarks sparked a severe storm of criticism, with residents of Homa Bay and officials referring to the statements as humiliating and unwanted.
Social networks were filled with feelings of anger, accusing the Makueni leader of developing stigma rather than understanding.
Residents explained that while HIV prevalence in the region is still high, great efforts have been made at community and institutional levels to counteract the disease and reduce stigma.
Source: Facebook
The governor's words, they said, only helped to override the years and to develop harmful stories.
With great pressure, Mutula Kilonzo Jr. arrived at Homa Bay Governor Gladys starch a formal apology.
“I would like to elaborate on my remarks this morning when I was tying the Makueni team to the Kenya Youth Inter County Sports Association in Homa Bay County. Kilonzo said.
Governor Wanga gently accepted the exemption and welcomed his colleague warmly.
“Apostle has been accepted and almost in a county with infinite capacity,” He replied.
Why are HIV/AIDS patients from Homa Bay so worried
Elsewhere, the suspension of US foreign aid raised great concerns among HIV/AIDS patients in Homa Bay County.
The moratorium on the funding has hampered programs such as the President's Emergency Aids (PEPFAR) emergency program, which has been essential for providing life -exposing drugs (ARVs) for millions of millions in sub -Saharan Africa.
Maureen Auma, a mother of five children, 36, expressed her fears about the possibility of not being able to access these life -saving drugs.
He highlighted the financial crisis of buying ARVs without assistance from outside, emphasizing the importance of a stable pursuit of medicine for his health.
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