Sirisia MP John Waluke is facing widespread criticism after publicly humiliating a man with dwarfism during a security forum in Bungoma on Saturday, September 6.
The incident occurred at the Jukwaa La Usalama security forum, where Waluke forced the short-statured man to run across the dias and salute before Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
The MP mocked the man’s fitness for police jobs, saying such 'jokes' should end and that persons with disabilities should seek other forms of work.
Waluke's actions have been condemned by rights groups and government officials who described them as discriminatory and demeaning.
For instance, the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) rebuked the MP, accusing him of promoting stigma against persons with disabilities
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"We strongly condemn Sirisia MP John Waluke’s act of parading a short-statured man at a security forum to mock him. Such conduct is demeaning, discriminatory & a violation of the dignity & rights of persons with disabilities. Leaders must uphold respect & inclusivity, not stigma," the commission said.
On his part, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura called the incident unacceptable, further revealing that youth with disabilities have been undergoing paramilitary training since 2015.
"John Waluke, whatever you did to that young person with disability in public is totally unacceptable. You should be called out for such humiliation.
"Youth with disabilities have gone through paramilitary training in the National Youth Service since 2015. Many of them now work in different capacities in the security and other sectors," he said.
Mwaura added that stereotypes like those expressed by Waluke continue to deny people with disabilities equal opportunities.
"Such mentality is what keeps many disabled people out of employment. The government remains committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all Kenyans, whether they have a disability or not. Such stereotypes belong to the past," he added.
Nominated Senator Crystal Asige also condemned Waluke’s actions, describing the video as deeply disappointing.
"An incredibly disappointing video where leaders are taking part in mocking a person of short stature. I will not reshare for the dignity of the gentleman, but I’ve let my thoughts be known to the leaders.
"I would expect that after all the gains we have made in the country, to the extent of assenting to the Persons With Disabilities Act, people of their standing would not participate in the public humiliation of disabled people," she said.
Asige further reminded leaders that people with disabilities are part of the electorate and deserve respect.
"We may be disabled, but our votes are not. However lowly and hysterical you believe disability to be privately, that is not the behaviour of national leaders - and certainly not in public.
"Instead of the people there denouncing such asinine remarks, they decide to dig their heels in. Let not disability visit their homes, nor the homes of those they love," she added.
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