Baringo county governor Benjamin Cheboi has issued a warning to members of the public with tendencies of ‘misusing’ people living with disabilities (PLWD) for their own interests.
Cheboi sounded the warning after presiding over the Kabarnet school for deafblind children’s 5 kilometers charity walk on Friday, where he noted with concern the growing number of individuals who are masquerading as assistants of PLWD but with the intention of taking advantage of them.
The governor revealed that the same ‘assistants’ are also fond of using the names of persons with disabilities to seek tenders and loans which he observed is very wrong.
“If someone comes to get your name and your other details to apply for anything related to persons with disabilities, don’t give them unless they are ready to incorporate you by including you as a signatory to whatever it is, so that you also benefit from the same,” he advised PLWDs.
Cheboi stated that it is the right of persons with disabilities to get their rightful share of employment in all government and non-governmental organizations as enshrined in the constitution.
He challenged the National and County Public Service Commissions to maintain the highest level of integrity in their roles and ensure they do not lock out PLWDs who must also be treated with dignity.
The county boss also encouraged persons with disabilities to often apply for jobs when opportunities arise in order for them to benefit and be able to support their families.
Other leaders who attended the charity walk included Baringo Central member of parliament Joshua Kandie, county assembly speaker Vincent Kemboi amongst other local leaders.
By Esther Mburu
