PWDs Split in Eldoret Over Sh15 Million Dispute as Demo Looms
The group had planned to hold a protest march on Thursday, September 24, starting from Zion Mall and ending at the Uasin Gishu County Headquarters.
By HubzMedia
A disagreement has emerged among persons with disabilities in Eldoret over a planned demonstration to demand the release of Sh15 million they say is owed by the Uasin Gishu County Government.
The group had planned to hold a protest march on Thursday, September 24, starting from Zion Mall and ending at the Uasin Gishu County Headquarters.
However, the planned demonstration has been thrown into uncertainty after members split into two factions over how to address the alleged pending funds.
A faction led by chairperson Willy Kishara is insisting that the demonstration should proceed as planned. The group says previous attempts to engage the county government have not resolved the issue and that taking to the streets is now necessary to press for action.
Another group, led by Joseph Ochieng and members of the deaf community, has distanced itself from the planned protest and called for dialogue.
The group wants the two sides to first reach an agreement before any demonstration takes place, arguing that continued disagreement could further divide persons living with disabilities in the county.
The dispute has raised questions over whether the planned march will attract the numbers initially expected, or whether the Kishara-led faction will proceed without the support of those opposed to the protest.
Tensions remained high on Wednesday evening, with both sides maintaining their positions.
The Sh15 million at the centre of the dispute has not been independently verified, and it was not immediately clear from the information available what the funds relate to or the basis of the claim.
Uasin Gishu County officials had not issued a public response to the allegations or the planned demonstration by the time of publication.
The situation is expected to become clearer on Thursday as the two factions decide whether to proceed with the march or pursue further talks with the county government.
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