Nominated MP Denittah Ghati. [File, Standard]
Kenyans have been urged to elect more people living with disabilities to Parliament.
Nominated MP Denittah Ghati, who represents persons with disabilities (PWDs), has implored the electorate to focus on leaders’ abilities, and not their physical challenges.
Speaking when she launched her campaigns for the Migori Woman Representative seat, Ghati said some people were shying away from voting for persons living with disabilities.
She asked the electorate to change their mindset in next year's General Election and look beyond their physical disabilities.
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“Many persons living with disabilities end up being nominated or appointed in leadership positions. There is a need for the electorate to put the minority groups in leadership positions,” Ghati said.
She seeks to dethrone Woman Representative Pamela Odhiambo in next year's polls.
Ghati was elected Migori woman rep in 2013. A year later, she was involved in a road accident at Ntulele town in Narok County that has since confined her to a wheelchair.
She is confident that despite her condition, she can serve in the position.
“Even after the accident, I have been able to carry out my leadership roles adequately, even in Parliament,” Ghati said.
She said the agenda she started in her first term as woman rep left a mark, and she was ready to continue with the work.
Ghati cites Nyaburu, Muhuru Bay and Mabera markets as some of the projects she started during her tenure, adding that she also built an ICT centre in Awendo town and a gender rescue centre in Maeta, despite the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) coming late.
She has been hailed by her fellow legislators as a strong leader, despite being in a wheelchair.
“Despite being on a wheelchair, her leadership skills have been evident on the floor of the House, in committee meetings and in bringing unity in the party (ODM) and Migori County,” said Uriri MP Mark Nyamita.
In 2017, Ghati defended her seat but was beaten at the ODM nominations.
