Wheeling to build badly needed rehab for thousands

By ALLAN OLINGO

If they could jump, they would have. If they could dance, they would have raised dust. Though they were not able to jump or dance, their faces, eyes and smiles radiated the dance going on inside their hearts.

Innocent and full of excitement, their confinement in wheelchairs would not stop them from cheering up as Zachary Muturi Kimotho (he of ‘Bring back Zack home’ fame) wheeled by. They had no idea who Zack was but they knew he had goodies for them, and with this in mind, nothing could shake their faith.

 “I have heard that he is bringing good things to our country and I am very happy,” little Tonpei, seated in a wheelchair outside AIC Kajiado Girls’ Primary School, whispered as she was wheeled to join Zack.

As Zack went past Isinya on his way to Kajiado town, locals donned in their traditional shukas gave him a befitting welcome, offering to push him as others sang and danced energetically. Their melody drew more people to the procession.

A resident who did not have money with him stopped Zack and gave him a goat. He was touched by the ‘Bring Zack back Home’ initiative, which is out to raise funds for the construction of Kenya’s first and only spinal injuries rehabilitation centre. So far, Kenyans have raised more than Sh55 million in just 20 days (as per yesterday).

Great generosity

Zack is optimistic that Kenyans, who are known for their great generosity, will raise the whole amount needed, Sh250 million, even before he crosses the first border, to Tanzania, on his way to South Africa.

Zack was shot and injured by thugs in 2004. The incident left him paralysed and confined to a wheelchair.

“The injury damaged my spine and I was not able to attend proper rehabilitation, as there is no spinal cord rehabilitation centre in Kenya,” he shares.

On embarking on this journey — wheeling his way to South Africa to raise the money needed for the facility — Zack did not fear the dangerous condition of our roads but careless drivers.

On his journey, Zack has an ambulance in front and a security van behind. The security van usually signals drivers to slow down but many are in a hurry.

Recommended Videos

Boxing bouts fade in coast

The importance of public speaking

Prisoner of my skin

Kiambu burial dilemma