Real hustler crawls away hopeless as Ruto dishes out Nyota millions

Margaret Ajema, 30, who is physically challenged crawls her way out of Gusii Stadium after missing out on the Nyota Fund disbursement that was being issued by President William Ruto. [Stanley Ongwae, Standard]

At Gusii Stadium, President William Ruto listened  to moving testimonies of hardship, resilience and hope as beneficiaries of the Nyota Business Start-up Fund shared how the initiative would help them rise above poverty.

Yet one story went unheard, despite its owner desperately trying to reach him. Margaret Ajema, a young woman living with a severe disability, was silenced by presidential security and prevented from approaching the dais.

President Ruto concluded the Thursday event, drove out of the stadium, leaving behind Ajema with a heavy heart and dashed hopes.

Ajema’s story over the last 15 years has been marked by hope, determination and the willpower to overcome despair.

Despite her severe physical disability, Ajema has weathered many storms to emerge stronger in her resolve to improve her life and that of her loved ones.

Ajema, a young woman living with disability, was born with severely disabled legs. She moves by sliding on the ground with the aid of her left upper limb, which is also malformed.

Although she owns a wheelchair, she rarely uses it because the condition of her hands makes it difficult to manoeuvre.

“I am used to moving by myself compared to a wheelchair, which is difficult to use, especially on these poor village roads,” Ajema says.

In Osingo Village, Migori County, Ajema is held in high regard for her hard work and determination to show that disability does not mean begging for a living.

About 15 years ago, after becoming a young mother, she returned to school with a dream of becoming a medic.

Her destitute and sickly mother could not afford her education, but a well-wisher offered her a chance to study at Joyland Primary School for children with physical disabilities, where she sat her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).

On two occasions, The Standard highlighted her plight, including financial challenges that nearly forced her out of school after she failed to report back for almost two months due to lack of fare. Following the coverage, well-wishers came to her aid and she continued with her education.

Her mother died in 2023, leaving Ajema as the sole breadwinner for her son, now in Grade Eight, and her younger sister, who is in Form Four.

She has since abandoned ambitions of joining college or moving away from her late parents’ home because of her responsibilities.

Despite her mobility challenges, Ajema currently hawks homemade liquid soap, which she says is her main source of income.

On Thursday, she rose early, determined to be among the beneficiaries of the Nyota Business Start-up Fund from Migori County, and travelled to Kisii Town where President Ruto was issuing Sh220 million to youths as business empowerment capital.

Ajema hoped to receive the Sh25,000 grant and make a personal appeal for an automated wheelchair to help her navigate the rugged terrain in her village.

She never got the chance.

The Standard found her struggling to leave the now-empty stadium, long after the crowds had dispersed, slowly navigating the gravelled terraces and crossing a scorching tarmac road nearly 200 metres away to reach the exit.

“I feel bad that I did not receive my money like the others,” she said quietly. “But I still hope I will.”

For now, her dream is modest. She wants a small shop from which to operate her business, rather than hawking under harsh conditions.

“I only want a place where I can do my business,” Ajema says. “Going to college is no longer a priority. Moving away from the village is difficult, and I am the only one at home.”t of the village is a difficult thing to do because I am the only one in the home,” Ajema says.