Mentally ill man hidden for 12 years freed

22 year old Kibitany Rotich seated Baringo County Referral Hospital at Kabarnet where he has been admitted to. [PHOTO: KIPSANG JOSEPH]

BARINGO: The National Council for Persons with Disabilities has rescued a 22-year-old mentally ill man, who had been hidden by his family for 12 years in Baringo County.

Led by NCPWD National Vice Chairperson Caroline Chumba, the team of social development officers stormed the hut where Kibitany Rotich had been hidden by his parents due to the stigma associated with mental illness at Kaptoin village in Kipsaraman, Baringo North.

This comes after The Standard on Sunday exclusively carried a story on the plight of the man who has been tormented by jiggers that have infested his legs.

Ms Chumba noted it was unfortunate that some people still felt embarrassed to take care of challenged children.

She said the council had taken the man to Baringo County Referral Hospital in Kabarnet where he is receiving treatment for the jigger attack.

"He is now admitted to hospital and we will make sure he gets good food until his health improves," she said.

She said hiding disabled individuals was against human rights and would result in arrest and jail time for parents.

"This is unacceptable and we are still considering reporting the case to police as we proceed to find justice for Rotich," said Ms Chumba.

Baringo Director of Social Development John Obutu said Rotich will be registered as a person living with disability immediately, and be legible for a Government mandatory stipend.

"He will be considered in the next phase of beneficiaries. He has the right to be catered for by the Government. His parents denied him such a fundamental right, though we agree it is a poor family," said Obutu.

After he recovers, Obutu said Rotich will be admitted to a Government facility for people with special needs.

Baringo Woman Representative Grace Kiptui asked the county administration to carry out an urgent census on people with disabilities and fast-track a social policy framework to look into their affairs.

"We need serious mobilisation to sensitise residents on the importance of according such people their rights," she said.