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Public stigma, stereotypes and negative attitudes towards disability have been cited as the major challenges facing poll aspirants with disabilities (PWDs).

With the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) clearing many candidates for various elective seats, concerns have been raised over a rise in stereotyping PWDs. Joseph Aukot Lorot, who is vying for the Menengai West Ward seat in the Rongai sub-county, under Kenya Africa National Union (Kanu), says stereotyping PWDs places them at a disadvantage when compared with other candidates. Speaking in Nakuru yesterday, Lorot, public relations and communications graduate from Co-operative University of Kenya, said their entrance to the political scene was meant to meet the five per cent quota in Article 54 of the Constitution.

The Constitution requires that five per cent of elective and appointive positions be reserved for the disabled. However, there are only 12 legislators with disabilities in the current National Assembly and Senate.

“The representation gap for the disabled is enormous. There are many challenges that have been placed on our way. Some of us are very capable”, he said. Lorot, born in 1990, lost his eyesight through polio and was unable to join school until he was 12.

He stated that his clearance by IEBC and the faith Kanu had placed on him to fly its flag were commendable.

Financial muscle

“Sometimes, I have to find someone to walk me around during campaigns. Only people close to me do that. If my brother is not around, I am grounded”, he said, adding that financial muscle has also been a challenge for most PWDs.

He said his main competitors are Elijah Njoroge (Jubilee) and Isaac Rotok (UDA). He added: “Once elected, I will prove that disability is not inability”.

On her part, Jane Mugo, an albino vying for the Rhonda Ward seat in Nakuru Town West, also under a Kanu ticket, called on Kenyans to vote for PWDs.

She added: “In the last election, we had 24 nominations from Nakuru County but not a single PWD was granted a slot”.