This archive report was first published on 17 November 2019.
November 17, 2019, marked a significant day for the residents of Nairobi's Kibera slums as Anne Olympia Wafula, a renowned disability rights campaigner, donated seven wheelchairs to a group of disabled individuals.
Wafula's journey began in 1969 in Western Kenya, where she was born as a normal child. However, her life took a drastic turn when she was two and a half years old and contracted polio, leaving her half-paralyzed from the waist down.
Despite this setback, Wafula's spirit remained unbroken. She pursued her education, graduating with a Bachelor of Education degree from Moi University. Her determination and resilience earned her a posting to Machakos Technical Institute, now Machakos University College.
Wafula's life took a new turn when she moved to Great Britain with her British husband. She settled in Harlow, just outside London, where she was feted as a model citizen. Her son, Tim Walindi Strike, is a talented footballer who has attracted the attention of junior sides of major European clubs.
Wafula's achievements extend beyond her personal life. In 2004, she became the first wheelchair racer from sub-Saharan Africa to compete in wheelchair racing at the Paralympics. She has also been recognized for her work as a Disability Rights campaigner, lobbying organizations and governments to ensure access and inclusion.
Wafula's foundation, Olympia-Wafula Foundation, promotes healthy living solutions for people with disabilities, with a focus on education, mobility, and advocacy. Her work has spread across Kenya, Malawi, Swaziland, Nepal, Haiti, and the UK.
Wafula's dedication to her cause has earned her numerous awards, including an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2014 and a Honorary Doctorate (Doctor of Health Sciences) from York St John University in 2018. This year, she was recognized by iNews as one of the 100 leading black women in the world.
