In fulfillment of her promise in Berlin, Germany, the Spouse of the Deputy President Pastor Dorcas Rigathi on Wednesday hosted the Special Olympics Team Kenya for a sumptuous lunch at the official residence of the Deputy President in Karen, Nairobi County.
The Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua joined the beautiful celebrations following the bag of wins by the team of 66 players that included 15 gold medals, five silver medals, and six bronze medals. The team received more than KSh10 million in cash awards.
“Besides bringing home gold and other medals, you have also made a pronouncement by swimming against the current of low expectations on people living with disabilities in our society. Society has set unfortunate standards that those living with intellectual impairment are harshly judged and condemned as a socio-economic burden to the family and society,” said DP Rigathi.
The DP, however, acknowledged the barriers hindering those with disabilities from succeeding. In his speech, he said that he acknowledged there were various barriers perpetuating retrogressive perceptions about people with disabilities. He gave an example of Section 146 of the Penal Code which uses demeaning and abusive language against people living with mental disabilities referring to them as imbeciles and idiots.
“You have shown that away from the track events in which Kenya is king, we are also leading the world in redefining the Olympics for the people who are abled differently. We are propelling them to tear down towers of discrimination. As per our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, we will continue facilitating structural reforms for people living with disabilities to exploit their full potential so that no one is left behind in the quest for equality and equity,” added the DP.
Pastor Dorcas Patron of Special Olympics Kenya said, “Everybody matters in this government. We will go to the ward level and bring the people with intellectual disabilities to the Special Olympics in collaboration with the national government, and others.”
The Gold medalists were Irene Nzilani (1500m track race), Daniel Mutiso (800m and 1500m races), Purity Kandie (50m sprint), Linah Gashahun (Badminton Singles), Lyn Owendi (Badminton Singles), David Nganga (15KM Cycling road race), Mercy Mutuku (5KM Cycling road race), David Nganga (5KM cycling trial), Kennedy Munyao (5KM Cycling trial), Lynette Nyambura and Abigail Wambui (Gold Unified 18-hole), handball team, football team, men’s beach volleyball, and women’s beach volleyball.
Silver medalists were Willis Otieno (Standing Long Jump), Lyn Owendi and Linah Gashahun (Badminton women doubles), David Nganga (5KM Cycling road race), and Eunice and Vanessa Kariuki (Bocce Doubles).
Bronze medalists were Eflon Kingori and Jed Maina (Badminton men’s doubles), Jed Maina (Badminton men’s singles), Anjela Nyambura (5KM Cycling road race), volleyball unified team, and basketball unified team.
Chairman Special Olympics Kenya Thuo Cege said, “In the history of Special Olympics, I cannot recall such high-level support we have enjoyed from the Government of President William Ruto. She is not just our patron, but our mother.”
Representing Team Kenya, Gold Medalist Irene Nzilani thanked the Government for the support given to the team during the Special Olympics. She also thanked Pastor Dorcas for the support she gave the team by traveling from Kenya to Germany to cheer on the team.
“Kuwa na upungufu wa akili haimaniishi hatuwezi faulu. We thank our coaches who believed in us, and nurtured our sports talents,” said Nzilani who won gold in the 1500m race.
Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia also pointed out that those with intellectual disabilities were segregated in society.
“A lot of sensitization needs to be done to make known about Special Olympics. I amended the Persons Living with Disabilities Act 2023, and sign language was included on our TV screens. There was no hype around it because it is not a topic of interest,” said MP Muhia.
PS Sports Peter Tum was also present and acknowledged the work Special Olympics was doing in the country – ‘monetizing, identifying, nurturing and rewarding talent’.
National Director Special Olympics Susan Masila said they were using sports to break down the walls of discrimination and stigma around people with intellectual disabilities.
“The coaches give personalized attention to the players because they need extra support. Our coaches are not just coaches, but their mentors, parents, and daily companions working with the athletes. We invest in skill development and consistent training, and our work does not end with the sports, but using sports as a tool to transform lives.”