A lobby of persons with disability has called for an end to the ongoing youth-led protests saying the demonstrations have endangered their lives.
Led by their coordinator Ivan Omondi, the Coalition of Associations of Persons with Disabilities faulted the street protests saying they have made life difficult for them.
“The protests have disrupted normal life and exacerbated challenges faced by all citizens, especially PWDs. The safety and accessibility barriers imposed during this period have disproportionately affected our community, hindering our daily lives and movement,” they said.
The right to protest is protected by Article 37 of the Constitution.
The group, however, noted that while the demonstrations have brought to the fore some of the teething issues affecting the country, the trajectory taken is threatening the peace and stability of the nation.
“We call upon fellow Kenyans to put our country first, prioritise patriotism and safeguard the hard-won gains of our nation. Destructive actions and violence only set us back and jeopardise our collective progress,” they said.
They added that dialogue in the format proposed by the government and opposition figures is the way out of the situation.
The group further said the youth should put their demands on the table and a conversation that does not stoke violence should be pursued as the lasting solution.
“Dialogue is the cornerstone for resolving our differences. We urge all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to foster understanding and chart a path forward that respects the rights and dignity of every citizen as we have done before,” they said.
They appealed to the security agencies to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, including persons with disabilities.
At the same time, the group has demanded inclusion in the country's leadership, including in the new Cabinet to be named by President William Ruto.
Omondi said the voice of people with disabilities has been left out in the ongoing national discourse.
“As per Article 54(2) and 81(c) of our constitution, we respectfully request the President to appoint at least two persons with disabilities in the new Cabinet,” Omondi said.
He complained that the disbanded cabinet did not have its members represented.
