By JOSEPH MUCHIRI
Tears flowed freely as 15 people with physical challenges narrated their painful experiences after being involved in life threatening accidents.
They spoke after receiving artificail limbs from wellwishers. One of the beneficiaries, Rose Wanja, 27, recounted how she was knocked down by a vehicle on her way to the market and her life changed drastically. “I cried for days on learning that my leg would be amputated. Life has not been the same since. I have had to rely on people and boda boda every time I travel. I was on the verge of giving up but I now thank God because I have a new lease of life,” said Wanja.
Wanja added she would now move easily and conduct her business at the Runyenjes market where she has a stall. The limbs were donated by Runyenjes Association for the Disabled in partnership with sponsors.
Peter Muriithi, 27, said he fell at a construction site where he was working and consequently had his leg amputated.
Muriithi said after that, life become hard as he could neither move freely nor work, but was glad the ability to walk was restored.
He asked people with physical challenges from other regions to form groups and seek assistance instead of suffering alone in silence.
Mr Obed Njiru, the event’s co-ordinator said the beneficiaries would no longer be a burden to their families. He appealed to people with various disabilities; hearing, sight, mental or other physical challenges to register with the relevant authorities so that direct help can be availed to them or be linked with donors.
“The projects have been successful because of the collaborative efforts of various partners. Some offered transport, others volunteered their time and others their money to put a smile on the face of the beneficiaries,” said Njiru.
