Navakholo: The business community of people with disabilities from Navakholo has raised concern over alleged mistreatment and harassment from the county enforcement officers. They have asked the county government to intervene by restraining the officers, claiming they are interfering with their daily activities which they depend on to earn income.
According to Kenya News Agency, the chairperson of Navakholo Disability Initiative, Berthez Wechuli, warned that they would hold demonstrations to protest against the harassment if the county government failed to act. He urged people with disabilities from Navakholo to ensure they have the Disability Registration Certificates from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and the Income Tax Exemption Certificate for Persons with Disabilities.
Wechuli also called on parents who have children with disabilities to ensure they take them to school. He encouraged organizations and willing individuals to extend support to such parents to ensure they are able to access basic necessities and education.
The principal of Daisy Special School, Bishop Eliud Walwanda, warned parents who have children with special needs against hiding them. He emphasized that Daisy Special School has qualified special needs education teachers who are able to teach, train, and take care of children with disabilities. He cautioned that hiding those children at home exposes them to risks and denies them their rights as enshrined in the Basic Education Act, 2013.
Bishop Walwanda noted, “Some parents are in denial. They have never accepted that these children are part of the community, but if God has blessed you with such children they have a right to be taken to school to access education.”