A Lonely End in Kabwe

A 64-year-old Zambian man, Edward Chitila, died alone at his home in Kabwe, Katondo, during the early hours of Wednesday, 5 November 2025, according to a report by Kenya's Tuko news outlet which cited Zambia's Prime TV2. His death followed a long illness endured in isolation after his seven children reportedly abandoned him following a divorce from their mother and a subsequent dispute over family property. In his final days, Mr. Chitila’s only caregiver was a 12-year-old boy, who was not a relative. The matter was reportedly filed at the Chowa Police Station in Kabwe. These specific details, originating from a single Kenyan media report citing Zambian sources, await further independent verification from Zambian authorities and media. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.

The Kenyan Parallel: A Crisis of Care

While the specifics of Mr. Chitila's story are centered in Zambia, the narrative of his abandonment resonates deeply within Kenya, highlighting a growing societal crisis that challenges traditional values of family and respect for elders. Kenya is grappling with a significant rise in the neglect and abuse of its senior citizens, a trend driven by the erosion of extended family support structures, economic pressures, and shifting social norms. According to the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD), Kenya's elderly population now exceeds 3.2 million, or nearly 6% of the total population, a figure projected to hit 3.6 million by 2030. This demographic shift is placing immense pressure on social and healthcare systems.

Reports from organizations like HelpAge Kenya and the CPF Foundation paint a grim picture, with studies indicating that a high percentage of older adults in parts of Kenya face abuse, with neglect, financial exploitation, and isolation being alarmingly common. This abuse often occurs in silence, hidden behind closed doors. “Elder abuse in Kenya is significantly underreported,” Hon. Rehema Jaldesa, Chairperson at the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), stated in a July 2025 report, citing stigma and a lack of awareness about available redress systems.

Legal Protection vs. Harsh Reality

Kenya’s legal framework, in contrast to this reality, provides robust protection for the elderly. Article 57 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010) explicitly obligates the state and family to provide care, dignity, and protection from abuse for older persons. This constitutional duty was reinforced by a landmark High Court ruling in October 2023, where Justice Anthony Mrima declared that family members who neglect their elderly relatives (aged 60 and above) are in violation of the Constitution. The ruling clarified that as parents age, the responsibility of care legally shifts to their adult children, who must ensure they are sheltered, fed, and receive healthcare.

Despite these legal mandates, the reality on the ground is starkly different. The challenges are multifaceted, ranging from poverty and inadequate healthcare to accusations of witchcraft in some communities, which have led to violence and killings, particularly in counties like Kisii and Kilifi. The weakening of the traditional family structure is a central cause, leaving many elderly without the safety net they once relied upon.

State Intervention and Its Limits

The Kenyan government has attempted to address the plight of its senior citizens through social safety nets. The most prominent of these is the Inua Jamii Senior Citizens' Scheme, a universal cash transfer program providing a monthly stipend (currently KES 2,000) to individuals over the age of 70. The program, one of the most ambitious on the continent, aims to provide a basic income to help seniors cover essential needs like food and medicine.

However, the impact of this initiative is often diluted by systemic issues. Beneficiaries and civil society organizations report that the amount is insufficient to meet the high cost of living, and the program is plagued by administrative delays, poor coverage in some areas, and a lack of accountability. Furthermore, with the eligibility age set at 70, many vulnerable seniors in their 60s, like Mr. Chitila, are left without this crucial support. This leaves a significant portion of the elderly population falling through the cracks, entirely dependent on families that are either unable or unwilling to provide support.

Mr. Chitila’s lonely death in Zambia is more than a personal tragedy; it is a cautionary tale for Kenya. It underscores the urgent need to bridge the gap between legal obligations and societal action. As traditional support systems wane, the collective responsibility of the state and community to protect the dignity and well-being of the elderly has never been more critical. Without reinforcing these safety nets, stories of abandonment and solitary deaths risk becoming an increasingly common feature of our society.