A 21-Year-Old disabled man whose photograph during the
October 26 repeat presidential election went viral has received an early
Christmas from President Uhuru Kenyatta.
John Gichuhi Macharia, who was born without both upper
limbs, caught the attention of State House after his plight was
highlighted on social media platforms.
Last week, a delegation sent by President Kenyatta to
Macharia’s home, led by Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia and Murang’a
County Commissioner John Elungata, found the young man in his rented
single room that is tucked deep in Witeithie estate in Thika, Kiambu County
where he lives with one Stephen Wambua, who is his friend and caregiver, although
he also has a physical disability.
Macharia, who survives on donations from well-wishers and
his local church Rescue Mission Centre explained that his dream is to own a
cosmetics business.
“What I want is a shop that is able to accommodate cosmetics,
a salon, a barber shop and a cyber café and all I need is capital,” he said.
For his resilience in carrying out his civic duty, President
Kenyatta has committed Sh3 Million to help him start the business.
“John has shown remarkable resilience in serving his nation,
a great example to our youth to serve their country.
“Youth agenda is key in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s
leadership, he has committed to economic empowerment of the youth by expanding
youth in national development and guarantee 30 percent of all appointments,
projects, and budgets,” CS Macharia said.
The young man, who was diagnosed with multiple physical
disabilities and asthma at birth, has promised to prudently use the funds
donated by President Kenyatta to improve his life.
Although he was born in Murang’a County, he was brought up
in Thika by his father.
“This is a dream come true. I did not believe that a young
man like me with no arms could be noticed by the most powerful person in Kenya.
“I sincerely thank him for this gesture and promise to
utilise the funds prudently,” an excited Macharia told Nation.
Macharia has a diploma in computer applications and is able
to use his legs to write, eat, type on a computer and drive a car.
He told journalists that the cabinet secretary had pledged
to get back to him once the plans are complete.
“He told me that he received a call from the president
asking him to find my whereabouts and that they want to help me get a good
residence and a reliable source of livelihood,” said Macharia.
