By Caren Waraba, DevReporter, West Pokot County
Mrs Christine Natuch has been at the forefront of preaching peace between the communities of Pokot and Turkana and encouraging People with Disabilities (PWDs) from the two communities to fight for their rights.
At the age of 5 years, Mrs Natuch says that she escaped brutal attacks from her father three times, adding that she was subsequently disowned due to her physical challenges that resulted from polio.
Mrs Natuch has come to be known as a peace advocate because of her efforts in leading peace initiatives between the Pokot and Turkana communities and being in the frontline in fighting for the rights of the PWDs.
Mrs Natuch now wants the Independent Electoral Commission (IEBC) to adhere to the election laws regarding PWDs as we head towards the 9 August 2022 general election.
According to Article 54 of the constitution of Kenya, the state is mandated to ensure the progressive attainment of at least 5 percent representation of PWDs in all elective and appointive positions. Mrs Natuch also calls on political parties to nominate PWDs and ensure that the constitution is fully implemented regarding Article 54. It is now close to 12 years since the promulgation of the constitution.
Mr Amos Liang’or is a political aspirant and also living with a physical disability. He developed polio at the age of 5 with his legs and hands getting paralysed. Since his father saw him as a burden to the family, Mr Liang’or says he sent him to a faraway school. But he took education seriously and eventually become a nurse.
Challenges
Mr Liang’or now wants to be elected as a Member of County Assembly Seat, (MCA) Alale Ward. He spends a lot of time travelling to different places campaigning in Alale Ward which comprises of places like Naruora, kalapata, Lokutum, kopito, Nauyapong, lokitonyala Lorsuk, Apuke and Amakuriat. Because of his physical disability, he says that the campaign has been challenging for him but he is soldiering on. His election agenda aims to ensure the boosting of security, improving road infrastructure and constructing more health facilities.
“My brain can still work, my thinking can still work. Why deny us opportunity to occupy positions and serve as mandated by the constitution. PWDs have rights,” Mr Liang’or said.
Mr Joseph Akaule, the director of Sikom Peace Network, a non-governmental organisation that works around the areas of peace building, health, governance and humanitarianism in the North Rift Region suggests that IEBC should waive all registration fees for PWDs running for elective positions to allow more people with disabilities to vie.
According to Mr Akaule, PWDs “have been marginalised for a long time. In the Pokot culture, they are not recognised in any way. But because of the new constitutional dispensation, they now have some space. Although they have now gotten a voice, the only challenge that they are facing is financial'”.
Well Protected
IEBC says that in line with its mandate, it is ensuring that all PWDs have access to polling stations without difficulties and that the elections are held in a free, fair and transparent manner.
The West Pokot County IEBC Manager, Mrs Joyce Wamalwa says that all protocols and codes of conduct have been put in place to ensure that PWD political candidates are well protected.
