Persons with disabilities have been singled out as the most vulnerable and affected Kenyans during any planned protests in the country.
The community has suffered a lot since the beginning of the Gen-Z anti-government protests in June 18, 2024. Mostly those with hearing impediment have found themselves in between conflicting groups, some severely injured and others loosing lives during the protests.
Coast Association for Persons With Disabilities (CAPWD), Hamisa Maalim Zaja said the situation may worsen if authorities will not spare persons with disabilities when containing conflicts.
Speaking in Mombasa on Tuesday, Zaja, noted that already two persons with disabilities died in the last protests one in Nakuru and the other one in Nairobi.
“One of our colleagues who was doing business in Ukunda was seriously injured during the protests. When he was evading the altercations, a stone hit his leg causing him serious injuries. He is still nursing wounds in a hospital in Kwale County,” said Zaja.
She also revealed that the recent protests in Mombasa left another person suffering from hearing disorders sustaining serious injuries along Moi Avenue during the last anti-government protests.
“That individual was going about with his business along Moi Avenue when police hurled a teargas canister that hit and severely affected him leaving him unconscious. He was helped by the protesters who rushed him to hospital for urgent treatment,” she further disclosed.
Zaja noted that the breathing systems of people suffering from hearing impediment or muteness are already affected and anything like strong smoke similar to that of teargas can severely impact their entire health and can lead to death.
Action
“The government needs to come up with some isolation camps or ‘prisons’ which will act as safe havens for persons with disability during conflicts. These safe havens are very critical in protecting the lives of persons with disabilities,” she said.
The physically challenged activist reiterated that when the situation is calm and police contain the protests, the vulnerable persons can be released from such safe havens for them to safely return home from their daily activities within towns.
The (CAPWD) Chairperson concerns come even as the Gen-Z protesters are planning for more anti-government demonstrations on August, 8, 2024. In the protest, famously known as ‘nane nane’ the youth want to express their dissatisfaction in the manner which President William Ruto reconstituted his cabinet.
The government has however vowed to take the Gen-Z head on, with President Ruto saying he is already working on most of the needs, issues and demands raised by the youth, adding that he has not ignored them.
