Disability Rights Advocate Embarks on 200km Walk to Push for Reserved Parliamentary Seat

Disability rights advocate Johnston Kitoben has embarked on a five-day walk from Bomet to Nairobi to push for legal reforms aimed at guaranteeing persons living with disabilities a reserved elective seat in Parliament.

Johnston flagged off his journey from Bomet town on Friday morning, saying the symbolic trek to the capital is meant to amplify the voices of millions of Kenyans with disabilities who, he argues, remain underrepresented in elective politics despite constitutional safeguards.

At the end of the more than 200-kilometre walk, Johnston plans to present a formal petition to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, urging lawmakers to amend existing legislation to create a clearly defined elective seat reserved for persons with disabilities.

Speaking before setting off, Johnston said that while the Constitution recognizes the rights of marginalized groups, the current framework largely relies on party nominations to bring persons with disabilities into legislative bodies.

He noted that nomination slots are limited and often influenced by political considerations, leaving many qualified leaders locked out of decision-making spaces.

“We are not asking for sympathy; we are asking for structural inclusion,” he said. “Persons living with disabilities deserve a direct voice chosen by the people, just like other special interest groups.”

He argued that establishing a reserved elective seat would strengthen representation and ensure disability issues are consistently championed in Parliament. He added that the proposed reforms would align Kenya with global best practices on inclusive governance and democratic participation.

The activist said his walk is also intended to raise public awareness along the route, as he engages residents, civil society groups and local leaders on the importance of inclusive leadership.

Supporters have described the initiative as a bold and peaceful way to draw national attention to a long-standing concern within the disability community.

Kenya’s Constitution provides for the representation of marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, through nominations in both the National Assembly and the Senate.

However, rights advocates have repeatedly called for more direct and predictable mechanisms of representation.

Kitoben expressed optimism that Parliament will consider the petition once tabled, saying the reform would mark a significant milestone in advancing equality and political participation for persons living with disabilities across the country.