Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Taita Taveta County have raised concerns over systemic discrimination, abuse, and marginalization, appealing for immediate government intervention to address their plight.
Speaking on behalf of a PWD group in Voi Sub-County, representative Joseph Mwagogo highlighted the ongoing challenges facing the community, noting that despite their willingness to support both the national and county governments, they remain largely ignored across key development sectors.
Mwagogo singled out the equitable distribution of relief food as a major point of contention, alleging that PWDs are given significantly smaller rations compared to other residents.
“President William Ruto, our father, we love you and support you, but we are being forgotten and discriminated against in the distribution of food. Others receive 20 kilograms, while we are given only one or two kilograms,” Mwagogo said.
The group also criticized local administration and political leaders for neglecting PWDs particularly vulnerable children in grassroots government planning. Mwagogo pointed out that village elders, chiefs, local MPs, and county officials have turned a blind eye to their needs.
Furthermore, the representative condemned politicians who exploit PWDs during campaign periods for cheap political gain, only to abandon them once elected.
“Politicians misuse us. When election time comes, they approach us with 50 shillings, but after we vote for them, they discriminate against us,” he said, emphasizing that “our votes have no disability.”
The grievances follow a recent incident where PWDs were allegedly denied relief food at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in Voi. The group urged county officials to follow the national government’s directive in prioritizing vulnerable groups for food assistance.
In addition to relief aid, the group cited severe marginalization in employment opportunities within major government infrastructure projects in the region, including the Affordable Housing scheme, railway initiatives, and local modern market developments.
“As persons with disabilities, we are not even offered jobs. There are ongoing construction projects for housing, stadiums, and markets, yet PWDs are not given employment opportunities,” Mwagogo stated.
The group is now calling directly on President William Ruto and the national government to intervene and resolve their grievances to ensure equal treatment and inclusion in development programs.
