Former Vihiga Deputy Governor Caleb Amaswache has surprised many Kenyans after turning to sell firewood to survive.
Once a high-ranking government official, Amaswache now struggles to meet his daily needs and has made an emotional appeal for financial help to rebuild his life.
Unlike many former politicians who continue to live in luxury after leaving office, Amaswache has taken a humble path that has shocked many people across the country.
He now works as a firewood vendor, a far cry from his former powerful and prestigious position.
Amaswache served as Vihiga’s Deputy Governor from 2013 to 2017 under the leadership of former Governor Moses Akaranga.
During his time in office, he enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, complete with tight security, expensive cars, and all the benefits that come with high-level leadership. Today, he lives like an ordinary Kenyan, without any of the privileges he once had.
Now based in Luanda town, the former DG earns a living by selling firewood. On a good day, he takes home just over Ksh200, a painful contrast to the over Ksh600,000 monthly salary he once earned while in office.
In a heartfelt interview aired by Citizen TV, Amaswache opened up about the difficult life he now leads and the challenges he faces in trying to expand his small business.
One of his biggest struggles is a lack of capital. He dreams of growing his firewood business but says he doesn’t have the money to do so.
He explained that the little money he has must be split between feeding his family and keeping the business running.
“I don’t have enough capital. My daughter is in school and I need at least Ksh200,000 to fully start and sustain this business.
The money I currently have is not enough—sometimes I have to sell part of my stock just to buy food,” he shared with deep emotion.
The former deputy governor is also finding it difficult to take care of his family. He has to choose between feeding them or paying school fees, something he never imagined would happen when he was in office.
Life has become so tough that he now walks to work because he doesn’t have a vehicle. He has called on the current county government to assist him by providing a car, even a second-hand one, to help him with transportation.
Amaswache says he feels deeply disappointed by the way things have turned out. He believes that someone who served his country for years should not be left to suffer in such a manner.
What hurts him even more is that people he once helped while in leadership have now abandoned him. Many don’t even pick his calls.
“I helped many people when I was in leadership. But now that I need them, they’ve forgotten me. I’m just asking for support so I can get back on my feet,” he said.
He also called on President William Ruto to come up with a system that supports leaders after they leave public office. According to Amaswache, many former leaders face similar struggles but suffer in silence.
“I need a job. I am humbly requesting His Excellency President William Ruto to consider former leaders too. We are all Kenyans.
The government should have a system that ensures people like us don’t fall into poverty after serving the country,” he said.
Residents who know Amaswache and buy firewood from him have also spoken out, supporting his appeal.
They believe that someone who once served in such a high position should not be living in poverty. They are now urging the government and well-wishers to step in and offer assistance.
This story has touched many hearts across the country, raising questions about the welfare of former leaders and the need for better support systems after public service.
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