Fury, frustration, and firm resolve boiled over in Kitui Town today as dozens of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) took to the streets in a dramatic protest against what they termed as years of neglect and betrayal by the Kitui County Assembly.
Flanked by disability rights advocates from organizations such as CDOK and Caritas Kitui, the demonstrators staged a powerful march demanding the immediate passage of the Kitui Disability Bill—a critical piece of legislation that has shamefully gathered dust in the assembly chambers for years.
The angry protesters stormed the County Ministry of Culture, Gender, Youth, ICT, Sports and Social Services, voicing their frustrations and calling out leaders for turning a blind eye to their plight. Their message was clear: “No more lip service. We want action, now!”
From there, the protest escalated as the group marched to the County Assembly, where they confronted the leadership and delivered a searing petition directly to Speaker Kevin Kinengo Katisya, demanding accountability and urgency.
“We are not asking for handouts. We are demanding our rights. This Bill could change lives—yet it’s being buried in silence,” shouted a visibly emotional protester, their voice amplified by chants of solidarity.
The Kitui Disability Bill, once hailed as a beacon of hope, has been stuck in legislative limbo for several years—leaving thousands of PWDs without a framework for inclusion, protection, or empowerment.
Disability activists accuse the county leadership of treating the bill like political wallpaper: good for PR but never meant to see the light of law. According to CDOK officials, the deliberate stalling of the bill is a “moral disgrace” and a “violation of constitutional rights.”
As the chants faded and the crowds dispersed, one thing remained loud and clear: Kitui’s disability community has had enough—and unless leaders act, the protests may only be the beginning.
The County Assembly is yet to issue a formal response, but pressure is now mounting for Speaker Kinengo to break the silence and bring the long-forgotten bill to the floor.
