Leaders in Thika Town, Kiambu County, have called for a shift in the electorate’s approach to leadership, urging residents to look beyond physical ability and political party popularity when choosing their representatives in the 2027 General Election.
The leaders have thrown their weight behind visually impaired parliamentary aspirant Peter Gachie, popularly known as Wisdom, arguing that disability should not be used as a measure of an individual’s capacity to lead.
They said Thika residents should consider giving persons with disabilities an opportunity to occupy elective positions, accusing successive elected leaders of failing to translate their political mandates into meaningful improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
The remarks were made during the launch of Gachie’s manifesto, where local leaders, including Collins Mwangi and Alfred Wanyoike, criticised what they described as a growing disconnect between elected representatives and the electorate.
They accused some politicians of becoming inaccessible and arrogant after winning elections, despite making elaborate promises during campaigns.
According to the leaders, residents continue to experience persistent challenges, including inadequate healthcare services, unreliable water supply and other development concerns, even as elected officials enjoy the privileges associated with public office.
They argued that effective leadership should be measured by one’s ability to understand people’s problems, formulate solutions and deliver development rather than physical appearance or personal capabilities.
The leaders also challenged voters to abandon blind loyalty to political parties, saying party popularity should not provide a shield for candidates with questionable integrity or poor performance records.
They urged residents to scrutinise the character, accountability and development record of individuals seeking elective positions instead of allowing campaign handouts and political affiliations to influence their decisions.
Addressing residents after unveiling his manifesto, Gachie said his visual impairment would not prevent him from effectively representing the interests of Thika constituents.
He maintained that disability should never be confused with inability, arguing that visually impaired people possess skills, intelligence and leadership capabilities that can contribute meaningfully to public administration and community development.
Gachie accused previous administrations of failing to adequately address the constituency’s development needs, saying residents deserved leadership that prioritises service delivery, accountability and inclusive development.
He identified healthcare and security among the key concerns he intends to address if elected, pledging to provide responsive leadership and ensure that the needs of ordinary residents receive priority.
The Wiper Party aspirant also appealed to voters to reject leaders whose performance had fallen short of their campaign promises, cautioning against electing candidates based on financial inducements.
He urged the electorate to make informed decisions by evaluating the ability and commitment of those seeking public office rather than accepting money in exchange for political support.
Gachie further pledged to champion the interests of persons with disabilities, saying the group had for years remained on the margins of political representation and development programmes.
He said his candidature would provide an opportunity to advance conversations around equal opportunities, accessibility, dignity and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in decision making processes.
The emerging campaign also places the question of disability inclusion at the centre of the Thika parliamentary contest, challenging conventional perceptions about who qualifies to lead and represent the electorate.
