Persons living with disability cry foul over board appointments

Persons living with Disabilities in Siaya County have expressed their discontent over the composition of the County Public Service Board that was recently approved by the Assembly.

The group led by the deputy secretary of Rarieda Disability group George Okach lamented that their representation was not considered in the new PSB, whose members are supposed to take oath of office anytime next week.

Last week, MCAs approved the appointment of six PSB members, ending a six-month stalemate.

The assembly unanimously passed the nominations recommended by Governor Cornel Rasanga.

Four of the six nominees were in the earlier list that was rejected by the House in August last year.

On Monday, Okach complained that despite having applied and even attending interviews for the posts of the membership of the Board, the persons with disability were not considered as required by law.

Okach, who spoke to The Standard gave an example of the Coordinator of Siaya County Disability Network Abisalom Okode who according to him, applied and even did successful interviews but was not considered.

"We're going to hold a peaceful demonstration to the governor’s office to express our displeasure following the manner in which the appointments were done," said Okach.

He revealed that they have on numerous occasions been neglected whenever the county government appointments are being made.

He added, "We were also not considered during the nomination of the members of the County’s Municipality Board."

He further lamented that they have tried to push for the establishment of a disability desk that can help in championing for their rights but no one would listen to them.

"We have only been left with protests as the only option to have the county government consider our interests," he said.