How Brayo Wheels found silver lining in the dark cloud of paralysis
Brian Muchiri is the founder of Strong Spine that champions for the rights of persons with disability.
Brian Muchiri otherwise known as Brayo Wheels across his social media platforms is known for his light content that not only leaves his followers in stitches, but also helps raise awareness of his life as a person with disability (PwD).
He shares, "I was involved in a grizzly road accident back in 2014. As a result, my spinal cord was dislocated, fractured, and severed completely leaving me paralyzed chest down with no hope of ever walking again."
Due to the severity of his injury, Brian has to depend on a power wheelchair to move around
This traumatic event left him in despair as it was hard for the then third-year procurement student to come to terms with the fact that he could no longer play rugby or go for long walks and runs.
He shares, "I remember how hard it was for me to accept the fact that I could no longer walk and would have to heavily depend on my caregivers to help me out with very basic daily activities such as bathing."
Consequently, Brain began finding new ways to spend his free time. It wasn't long before he began creating content online as an outlet.
"I began creating content to offer encouragement to people in my situation. Spending time online gave me the chance to meet new people and soon it also opened doors for work opportunities," Brian highlights.
The more people he interacted with, the more his eyes were opened to the suffering PwDs in Kenya were going through. This inspired the birth of his non-profit, Strong Spine; which gave him a chance to take part in the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship.
"Through Strong Spine, I raise awareness about issues PwDs face all while shedding light on our biggest needs such as accessibility to public spaces," he notes.
Out of being considered for the prestigious fellowship, he went on a three-week trip to the US, a trip he terms as eye-opening.
Brian Muchiri during a three-week trip to the United States of America.
He narrates, "I realized how different things are for people like me huko majuu. Not only is public transportation easily accessible, but also all buildings and recreational spaces have been designed in a way that they're fully accessible for everyone."
Brian additionally notes that, unlike Kenya, the US government helps PwDs finance physiotherapy, caregivers, and assistive devices.
As our phone call interview draws to a close, he speaks against drinking and driving noting that as a motorist, when you take care of yourself, you also take care of other motorists and pedestrians.
"To my fellow survivors, never give up. Pick yourselves up, go for physio, and find new things to fill your life with joy. Lastly, remember that some days are harder than others but every new day is a chance to have a new breath of life," he concludes.