HASHTAG: Stranger Boy Calls Out Pwds Exploitation, Pushes For Empowerment Through Skills And Support
BY BARAKA SIMBA
Kisii-born artist Wickliffe Kemose, known by his stage name Stranger Boy, has criticized society’s treatment of persons with disabilities (PWDs), calling for urgent reforms focused on empowerment, not pity.
Stranger Boy, who lives with apraxia of speech, made the remarks while appearing on Signs TV’s Hashtag Podcast hosted by Chris Mwololo and Caroline Wanjira. He said the practice of taking PWDs to beg on the streets is exploitative and degrading.
"The act of taking PWDs to the streets to beg is not pleasing since someone else is benefiting from it, as some people take advantage of them. When they beg, others benefit from them. For me, I would prefer any well-wisher to help such a person in another way, like giving them capital to open a business—an opportunity that will be decent and also maintain his dignity," said Stranger Boy.
He urged well-wishers and leaders to support sustainable solutions, such as providing start-up capital or technical skills that enable people with disabilities to live independently and with dignity.
The musician also stressed the importance of education and training under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which he believes can equip PWDs with essential skills to fight negative stereotypes and thrive.
"I believe when supported and skilled, we can achieve greatly. What lacks in many cases is support. Some people look down upon us, already judging that we are disabled and therefore unable," he said.
His bold remarks come at a time when Kenya is grappling with growing concerns over the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Stranger Boy’s message challenges society to shift from token acts of charity to meaningful investment in the potential of every Kenyan—disabled or not.
Follow this episode of the Signs TV podcast “THE HASHTAG” on our YouTube (https://youtu.be/V8dUHpY8IIQ?si=PwHB7EMz_g2Of1-5) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19ZHvuvNCJ/), with a repeat on Signs TV every Monday at 10 PM.
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