James Mbugua: A man so bold, crutches can't hold him down
James Mbugua at his home in Gichagi in Bahati constituency, during an interview on July 20, 2024.
Many in Nakuru have turned up in streets for the month long anti-government protests. However, a young man abled differently stood out amongst the crowds.
Brave is what he terms himself.
Despite his physical form, James Mbugua ,32, has been present in the streets of Nakuru to protest every Tuesday and Thursday of the week since the demos began.
While protesting on July 18, police are captured on video whisking him into a police vehicle, where Mbugua claims he was harassed, also mentioning that police allegedly made way with his phone.
James Mbugua during an interview with Mtaa Wangu on July 20, 2024.
Mtaa Wangu caught up with him at his home in Gichagi, Bahati constituency, where he shares why he fearlessly participates in the demos irrespective of the uncertainties out there.
Boldly, he starts by saying he is just as capable as anyone else out there, “I have a job, a wife and two children and provide for them adequately. I don’t see my disability as a limitation.”
Mbugua, reveals that he taps his bravery from his mother who believed in him since he was young.
He admits that he’s aware during the protest, many would expect him to cower, yet his intent is always to be at the fore front marching for his rights.
“I was born with the spina bifida condition consequently I have to use crutches to support myself while walking. Thanks to my mum and the support from my dad, I learnt to never let anyone make me feel less than. Growing up, my mother would give me similar chores as my siblings who are well. Never did she make me feel I could not do anything,” he notes.
Drawing inspiration from his upbringing, the father of two has been joining protesters in Nakuru, seeking change and calling for accountably from leaders as a taxpayer.
James Mbugua alongside his wife Esther Kariuki during an interview on July 20,2024.
“There is a lot of opulence from our leaders yet this is funded by the tax payer. How would you boast of donning apparels worth millions of shillings, yet I hustle day and night as the taxpayer?” he says in fury.
Though a cliché to others, Mbugua notes he lives his life by the mantra ‘Disability is not inability.’ He goes further to call upon those abled differently to join him in the streets.
“I go out in this streets to protest to get fair representation, a better life to raise my children in and one that I will not have to live from hand to mouth,” he says, fighting tears.
He concludes by saying that he will fight to the end, until the change he is putting his life at risk for, is realized.