Don’t call them Chokoras! Pastor Dorcas Gachagua proposes new name for street kids
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s wife Pastor Dorcas has shared her concerns about how street children are referred to.
Street children in Kenya are normally referred to as ‘Chokora’ a term that translates to scavenging.
Most of the street kids are from trouble background, with some abandoned by their parents due to economic hardships or seek refuge from abusive environments.
Speaking at a church January 2, 2024, the Second Lady insisted that street children should be referred to as her own.
“All children in the streets, the ones you call chokoraa, I urge you to change those names; call them Pastor Dorcas’s children. If you don’t have another name, refer to them as my children. Do not label them anything else,” Pastor Dorcas stated, expressing remorse over the common appellation.
She emphasised the significance of the names given to children, noting that they tend to embody the character of those words.
In pursuit of uplifting the less privileged in the streets, the second-in-command’s wife stressed the need for a shift in behavior.
“If someone calls you that name, you wouldn’t be pleased. Every name bestowed upon a child carries inherent power. Therefore, we must alter our mindsets and language,” Pastor Dorcas insisted.
She has been actively involved in rehabilitating alcohol and drug addicts across the country, complementing her husband’s efforts in combating illicit brew.
DP Gachagua initiated a campaign against illicit alcohol and drug abuse in the Mt Kenya Region early last year, 2023, which has since expanded nationwide.
In her endeavor to reform survivors of substance abuse, Pastor Dorcas emphasized the importance of refraining from associating victims with derogatory labels.
“When addressing my children, do not call them drug addicts. Refer to them as our children, as our virtuous children and your words will contribute to transforming their lives and destinies,” she emphasized.
To facilitate change, Mrs Gachagua advocated for churches to set an example.
“As shepherds and watchmen called by God to care for our flock, we cannot afford to mislabel the sheep,” she asserted.
The Mt Kenya Region suffers significantly from the adverse effects of illicit brew and drug abuse, which have fueled an increase in crime.
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