People with disabilities [PWDs] in North Eastern are now calling on the UDA party to consider them in party leadership structures ahead of grassroots polls.
The Party has announced an elaborate schedule of the four-phased grassroots elections running from April to August 2024.
Speaking to the press on Saturday, the Chairman of PWDs North Eastern region Hafid Maalim said that they want to be part and parcel of the running of affairs of the party.
Hafid who is among UDA party members seeking to be considered for the position said the outfit should include persons with disabilities more actively in its structures.
On Thursday last week, the party held a grassroots election consultative meeting that was chaired by the National Election Board Secretary Brian Mbugua.
The Board(NEB) said that they are properly prepared for Phase 1 of the party grass root elections
Hafid who was among the UDA members who attended the meeting said that the time has come for the UDA party to lead by example and show inclusivity by incorporating PWDs in all its activities.
“We are all aware that Political parties are key players in decision-making. Therefore, it is imperative that persons with disabilities can also participate meaningfully. We need to defuse this notion that PWDs are incapable of taking leadership positions,” he said.
He added:
"And that is why we are seeking to have our very own involved in the upcoming elections by having us included in the board. I don’t think that is asking too much."
According to Hafid, within PWDs, there were individuals with Knowledge that had not been tapped into previously and which would go a long way in strengthening the party.
He said the biggest challenge that PWDs face is not the impairment but the societal barriers.
He further asked President William Ruto to consider appointing PWDs in the remaining slots in the government.
“Just the other day we saw the president appoint several individuals for ambassadorial positions. We did not feel represented at all. But we remain optimistic that our share is coming. We know the president means well for us,” he said.
