They are particularly angered by the continued kidnapping of persons with Albinism/MIKE KARIUKI
They are particularly angered by the continued kidnapping of persons with Albinism.
Nominated Member of Parliament Isaac Mwaura who was representing the group has now urged Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo to assure them of their security.
“Persons with albinism have continued to be marginalised despite the fact the government has allocated Sh100 million for the buying of sun screens, which we demanded for; we continue to wonder why is it that persons with albinism lives and security is in jeopardy,” he said.
Mwaura attributed this to police reluctance in dealing with their challenges. “We are getting people reporting every other time but their cases become stillborn because they are not processed. We are also Kenyans!” he protested.
He noted the case of a young boy who was allegedly kidnapped in Embu to be sold to witchdoctors by a relative.
“Earlier on, we thought the sun was our greatest enemy because it kills us slowly because of skin cancer but our fellow human beings are now turning us to currency,” he lamented.
He noted that there was an increased threat to the group more so in Embu, Mombasa and Migori but added that there were other unreported areas.
He has urged the government to initiate research on their condition, saying persons with albinism have continued to suffer because of their poor health conditions.
“We need a special centre dedicated to persons with albinism as many continue to die because of skin cancer,” he said. “It is very frustrating when walking on the streets of Nairobi, people start calling you ‘Dollars’, while others tell you, ‘we shall take you to Tanzania’.”
Speaking to Capital FM News, one of the society members Joshua Mutunga appealed to the government to create job opportunities for them to avoid the discrimination they undergo.
“I have four children with normal colour who I must provide for. I beg all Kenyans to see us as their brothers and sisters,” he said.
He urged the government to ensure their living standards get improved. “Just as people with HIV&AIDS are provided with free medicines, we also want sun screens because of the sun. It is very expensive to maintain our skins.”
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