By Bell Pere
Millions of jobs have been lost because of the Covid-19 global scourge, mostly affecting those working in the entertainment industry such as artist, comedians and event organizers.
People working in the industry have turned to alternative sources of income to put food on their tables and to meet other expenses.
Meet Julius Karano on the streets of Narok town where he sanitizes people and creates awareness on the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
Famously known as Ole Menye for his short comedy clips, he roams around in town from morning to evening, calling out on everyone to wash or sanitize their hands
He does his job whole heartedly, hoping that the virus will be contained someday and a sense of normalcy realized.
Ole Menye an event organizer in Narok, who also owns a tent hiring enterprise says he received calls from his clients cancelling of their events immediately the government enforced the partial lockdown in March.
“The ban of all social events took down a heavy toll on me since the business was my major source of income,” says Ole Menye.
Narok is a major tourist destination point with the because of the neighbouring Maasai Mara reserve and therefore hit hard by the virus.
But Julius believes in the saying that “forward ever and backwards never” which has made him deal with the major challenges such as raising funds to purchase the sanitizers and bad weather conditions.
In a day he is able to reach out to over 300 residents even in the remote areas around the county.
Ole Menye wants well-wishers to support his good course so that the virus may be contained. He has also asked artist to come out in numbers and help in creating awareness to the society.
He also asked that the National Government to remember local artists in villages who have come out to volunteer in creating awareness about the ongoing pandemic.
George Gitau a photographer who works closely with Ole Menye during events has lauded the efforts and says for now they have no business but only hope for better things to come after Covid-19.
Racheal Wangui a shopkeeper in Narok Town is very thankfull to what Ole Menye does every day.
She says that as business owners they have been adversely affected by the ongoing pandemic and they hope that it will soon end.
Patrick Ngweta a taxi operator at Narosoora stage is always amazed how Ole Menye dresses every morning in maasai shukas and a hat and proudly walks through the streets sanitizing everyone and preaching the gospel of sanitizing and keeping social distance.
Hawkers in Narok on the other hand are seeking help from the government, now that they are being forced out of the streets when they don’t make enough to buy food and basic needs.