Persons with disabilities in Nandi County have declared that they will vet candidates interested in representing them in county government ahead of the forthcoming elections. 

In an emotionally charged meeting held in Kapsabet yesterday they said that they would not allow an ordinary person to “misrepresent” them when they have their own with required credentials. 

The meeting held at Kapsabet hotel saw about twenty persons with disabilities turn up to participate by contributing in the drafting of their political code of conduct. 

They lauded the new constitution for considering them in leadership saying that the position would only yield them fruits when they are in full charge of vetting candidates to vie for the post. 

Led by their chairman Benjamin Kipkosgei Rob, they said that it was unfortunate that everyone including those without disabilities were involved in voting for their representative. 

Rob said, “Since every voter including those who know little about our challenges will participate, we shall have to vet candidates that we have confidence in them.” 

He said that an eligible candidate must be a resident with disability who has been actively involved in spearheading their interests at the county level. 

“One cannot spring from nowhere and theorize our issues in an attempt to get votes,” Rob said. 

Silas Maru, the group secretary said that they would not endorse a single candidate since there may be many of them with positive leadership interests. 

 He said, “It is a mark of democracy to have several eligible candidates to vie for the post.” 

Their treasurer Rose Ngeny accused the government of sidelining them especially in the location of provincial offices in areas where persons with disabilities cannot access. 

She cited Nandi Central district headquarters where District commissioner’s office is located upstairs in the second floor saying that it was an injustice against them. 

“We do not know why we are ill-considered yet we are among the taxpayers in Kenya. We are forced to wait on ground floor like beggars for DC to descend and address us,” she said. 

They were speaking in connection to the constitution that recommends election of a representative of persons with disabilities in the county government.