President William Ruto's aide, Farouk Kibet speaks to Malava Constituents during a Funds drive in aid of persons living with disabilities in Shirugu - Mugai Ward in Malava constituency, Kakamega County./HNADOUTPresident William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, has called for nomination slots in county assemblies, the National Assembly and Senate to be reserved exclusively for Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs).
Speaking during a fundraiser at Malava Disability Centre, Farouk said there was a need to amend the law to ensure political parties nominate PWDs, giving them a platform to champion the rights of their peers in legislative houses.
“This way, the beneficiaries of the nominations will have a chance to champion the rights of fellow disabled people in county assemblies and parliament,” he said.
Farouk stressed that people with disabilities should not be treated on the same scale as others but recognised as a special group requiring deliberate support to unlock their potential.
He further urged both the national and county governments to review tax policies to shield vulnerable groups, including PWDs engaged in business.
“Even if we’re looking for taxes, let us be considerate to people without wherewithal. These people leave their home very early in the morning to try their luck,” he said, adding that PWDs should be exempted from paying taxes when purchasing motor vehicles.
Farouk also proposed that public land grabbed by private developers be reclaimed and allocated to people with disabilities for business ventures.
During the event, he pledged Sh1 million to Malava Special School for infrastructure development after learning that learners with different disabilities studied under one roof and boarders were forced to sleep in classrooms.
He also asked Malava residents to elect an MP who would prioritise their needs in the upcoming by-election.
Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe, who attended the event, urged the community to rally behind the government, cautioning them against opposition voices.
“You cannot leave light for darkness. Everyone goes to an election to be in government but ends up in opposition by default,” Mugabe said.
He criticised leaders allied to the Democratic Change Party (DCP), accusing them of misleading the Luhya voters.
