Nasty accident stole my beloved leg, but i stand firm - Former radio personality

Esther Ingolo’s contagious smile, passion and ‘head on’ approach in tackling life’s challenges stand out when you first meet her. Losing one leg in a road accident, it didn’t kill her spirit. ISHAQ JUMBE spoke to the vivacious former radio personality who strives to be a champion of womens’ rights

Tell us more about yourself

 I was born in Kakamega but I spent most of my adulthood in Mombasa.  Growing up, I always wanted to be a caregiver. I toyed with the idea of pursuing a career as a chef or maybe caterer, but all that changed when I discovered my love for radio.

Speaking of radio, how did you land yourself there?

I had my best moments while working in the radio industry. It was tough to land a job there. You know how the industry works. I remember I tarmacked for two years before getting my first break which was an internship at the Kenya News Agency (KNA).

As a trainee correspondent, someone noticed my skills and encouraged me to try my luck at Pwani FM. They were holding auditions and I was lucky.  I have worked with great minds like the late Ahmed Darwesh and Mohammed Ali. I am forever grateful.

People always imagine that radio personalities are rich. Is this the case?

Initially, I made enough money to support myself, but after I made a name for myself, networked extensively and had good ratings, the money started rolling in. Like I said before, breaking into radio, just like in many other careers, is the hard part.

You quit radio and you are currently the director of Gender and Youth at the County Government of Mombasa. How is the experience?

Amazing! I mentor the youth and I am involved with more than four mentorship groups. I chose to spend my time mentoring because I believe that life is more than just me. It is my small way of giving back to the community. I have had trying times getting my way around and would like to share my experiences, mistakes and lessons to make the journey easier for some other person.  I also do a bit of interior design and further and Mcee at social functions.

You were involved in a road accident a few years ago...

It was the darkest moment in my life. I had just cleared school and was in a matatu heading to Malindi when we were involved in a head on collision with an oncoming car. I can’t quite remember the details but it was bad. I was in a coma for three days. When I woke up, I suffered from amnesia (loss of memory).

My leg had also been amputated. I was in shock and couldn’t come to terms with my condition. I felt like my whole world was breaking, right before my eyes. Through prayer and support from friends and family, I decided that this woman must survive and that is when I started my journey to recovery.

How easy was it to accept your condition?

Living with disability is not easy. I have had to work twice as hard to prove my capabilities. The stigma associated with it is my major concern. People will give you the blank stares. But, I overcame all my fears.  Not that I am saying that disability is inability, some disabled people are actually specially able and therefore can take care of themselves even better than able bodied people. My concern is the trauma and we have to prove to the world our capabilities.

Do you think the government supports people living with disability?

Oh yes! The new constitution is very considerate on the conditions of persons with disability and the fact that it requires 5 per cent representation has seen a lot of disabled people get jobs in the public sector.  Further, The Niko Fiti campaign also has covered a lot of ground and generally, it is easier for those living with disability to pursue their dreams than before.