By Violet Auma || violetmedia8@gmail.com
Presidential aide Farouk Kibet has stirred a fresh debate in Kenya’s political arena after boldly proposing that all nomination slots in government stretching from Members of County Assembly (MCAs) to MPs and Senators be reserved exclusively for persons living with disabilities.
Kibet made the remarks in Malava, Kakamega County, during a forum dedicated to empowering persons abled differently.
His message was that Kenya must move beyond symbolic promises and take radical steps to guarantee political space for one of the nation’s most marginalized communities.
“Those living with disabilities face numerous challenges even in their day-to-day activities. They are often disadvantaged when competing against other candidates and end up losing in the long run. Giving them direct nomination slots will ensure they are not sidelined in governance,” Kibet told the gathering.
He went further, urging Members of Parliament to institutionalize the idea through legislation that would make disability representation a permanent fixture in the country’s politics. The proposal was met with mixed reactions.
The treasurer of the Kakamega County Disability Caucus and a member of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, Susan Erina, welcomed the call.
She noted that for many people with disabilities, the high cost of politics from nomination fees to campaign expenses remains a barrier.
“It’s a good idea. Many cannot afford nomination fees, yet they have strong voices for our community. More slots would help us push for bills in our favor,” she said.
But political analyst Martin Andati dismissed Kibet’s remarks as little more than populist talk.
“The law is very clear on who should benefit from those affirmative seats. There’s gender top-up, youth, and people with disabilities. It’s not done on someone’s whim. As Jesus would say, forgive him, Father, for he knoweth not what he is saying,” Andati remarked sharply.
Kibet didn’t stop at political representation. He went on to demand blanket tax exemptions for persons with disabilities, including on imported vehicles.
“All those people with disabilities who wake up every day to hustle should be exempted from taxation. Whether buying locally or abroad, let them be given exemptions. This is not charity, it is justice,” he emphasized.
Yet, while exemptions already exist in law, many complain of bureaucratic red tape, corruption, and lack of awareness that lock out the majority.
Erina pointed out that in Kakamega, small traders and entrepreneurs with disabilities are still being forced to pay county levies.
“Officials often argue exemptions are for those with payslips, leaving out those in business. In places like Navakholo, Mumias East, and Mumias West, traders have been harassed and their goods confiscated. The exemption remains on paper, not practice,” she lamented.
She remains hopeful that the 2025 Disability Policy, recently signed into law by President William Ruto, will bring lasting change if backed by proper implementation and widespread sensitization.
Kenya’s Constitution already guarantees representation for marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities. But in practice, many nomination slots end up unfilled, diverted to party loyalists, or allocated without meaningful consultation.
Disability advocacy groups say tokenism has become the norm.
Kibet’s fiery proposal delivered as Ruto’s close aide and political mobilizer was as much about advocacy as it was about politics.
By tying social justice to grassroots empowerment, he underscored the administration’s push to strengthen its base in Western Kenya ahead of future elections.
President William Ruto contributed KSh 3 million, Kibet added KSh 1 million, while National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula gave KSh 500,000.
“This is seed money. Use it wisely to start small businesses and improve your livelihoods,” Kibet urged the crowd.
Kibet urged leaders to ensure persons with disabilities are not just symbolically recognized, but given the tools, space, and dignity to participate fully in national platforms.
