Dr. David Ole Sankok, chairman of National Council of Persons: I know who I am

Known for his signature suits, DR DAVID OLE SANKOK, chairman of National Council of Persons with Disabilities, tells writer NANJINIA WAMUSWA how wrong diagnosis caused his disability and how this changed his fortunes for the better

What’s with the green and checked suits?

They make me stand out. People notice me and can identify me quickly. They are actually three suits. A blue checked one, a green one and a black one with the colours of the Kenyan flag. After people identify me, they want to get to know me better. I have had conversations with so many people who have become my friends. My unique attire has increased my networking power.

How did your disability come about?

It happened in 1988 while in class six. I suffered pneumonia and was rushed to a local private hospital, where a doctor made a wrong diagnosis - examined me and injected my lower inner quarter of my gluteus maximus muscle therefore tempering my sciatic nerve, paralysing my right leg, which l later lost.

How did you cope?

The transition wasn’t easy; initially l was energetic, independent and played soccer. Now, I couldn’t. I was also a bully and had crossed red line. After the misfortune students saw opportunity for payback time.

How do you relate to the doctor who caused you the injury?

We’ve met severally. I forgave him. I seek to know the problem, find the solution, and not to look back. That is the reason I am not seeking compensation.

Perhaps disability was a blessing in disguise. Are there opportunities that came with disability that you would have missed if you were OK?

The disability became my turning point, propelling me to later study Medicine, become a doctor and understand what went wrong with my leg and to give my patients the proper care I never received. If it wasn’t for this misfortune, I could probably have dropped out of school, become a Moran like many of my friends, raid other communities, cause havoc and steal cattle.

The Government has given over Sh 3billion to persons with disabilities. Is this money enough?

For the first time in post and pre-independent era, people with disabilities feel honoured for being allocated more money which include Sh770 million cash transfer to the severely disabled, Sh380 million grants, Sh100 million for the Albinism Fund, and Sh30m for bursaries. However, the money is not enough because of the increasing number of people with disabilities caused by conflicts like the attacks in Mpeketoni, Lamu County and other parts of the country.

What led to the fall-out between you and university authorities while at the University of Nairobi?

In 2000, the Government was introducing parallel degree programmes in public universities. I was against it because it looked like the authority was hawking education to poor performers from rich families. I wanted those who had performed poorly but had money to buy education elsewhere, either from private universities or outside the country. I got suspended.

You sought asylum in Norway?

Yes, l was arrested 11 times in seven months, going through painful torture. I survived three assassination attempts in Kericho, Thika Road and Narok. That’s when l sought refuge in Norway where l earned a Diploma in Medical Science from Bergen University. Luckily, there was a regime change in 2002 and students who had been suspended were granted amnesty after two years in suspension. Upon return, l rejoined the university and graduated later with a degree in Medicine.

As a person with disability, which challenges have you faced?

It was hard to get a wife because many ladies see disability and not ability. Personally, l sent a marriage proposal with a list of my abilities and disabilities to my girlfriend Hellen. After I married her, I was afraid she would be snatched away so l made sure she gave give birth at lightning speed - six children in seven years, at that point l was sure no one would take her. We now have seven children. Not all buildings are accessible to people with disabilities and the community looks down upon people with disabilities.

How do you plan to make sure only disabled and deserving people get the money?

In the past, money meant for the needy ended up in the wrong pockets. However, l am getting rid of corrupt individuals from the disability sector. I want to decentralise National Councils of Persons with disabilities and collaborate with provisional administration to identify those who deserve the money. If you are disabled but rich you should not get the money.

Where have you worked before?

After graduating, l opened my own medical centre, Loita Lab Medical Clinic, and OSIM Medical Surgical Centre in Narok which l operate to date. I am Chairman, Narok Central Business Association, and now Chairman, National Council of Persons with Disabilities.

What is your advice to people with disability?

Identify areas where they can excel and go for opportunities around. Use your strengths. Ignore your weaknesses.

Photo: Courtesy