This archive report was first published on 2 November 2021.
On October 26, 2021, Selpher Omenda, a 56-year-old woman from Eshavala village in Vihiga County, made history by registering as a voter despite her physical disability. Born with all her legs unable to move and hands unable to hold anything, Omenda has lived her entire life without being able to walk.
With the help of her family and the area chief, Omenda successfully applied for a National Identity Card (ID) earlier this year, marking the first step towards achieving her goal of voting. She then demanded that her cousin Charles Ambundo escort her to register as a voter, but the only means of transport available was a worn-out old wheelbarrow.
Omenda bravely rode on the wheelbarrow on a dilapidated road to Irungu primary school, where she was met with astonishment by IEBC clerks and the people who had gathered to register. Despite her condition, Omenda was ushered in and her wish to register as a voter was granted.
After missing an opportunity to cast her ballot in the last six General Elections, Omenda says she is excited over the prospect of voting for the first time in August 2022. The IEBC staff were so touched by her condition and determination that they donated a wheelchair to her after she turned out on a wheelbarrow to register as a voter.
"The IEBC national wide mass voter registration drive presented me with the opportunity to achieve my dream of electing good leaders," Omenda said. "People did not expect me to register, I am happy because, despite my situation, I will not be counted among the good people who elect bad leaders by refusing to vote," she added.
