Rainson Idambo: Guiding a visually impaired person for a living
Rainson Idambo who has been a guide for the visually impaired for seven months.
As the two gentlemen walked together, they were so in sync you'd think they were carefully deciding what steps to take.
However, as you look keenly, you will notice one of them has a white walking cane. This was the sight of a visually impaired person and their guide.
Mtaa Wangu spoke with Rainson Idambo who has been guiding Peter Mwai for seven months, having been introduced to him by Mwai’s brother.
It was coincidence that caused their worlds to collide as Peter needed a guide and Idambo saw it as an opportunity to earn a living since he was unemployed.
Eager to find out what his role would be, Idambo was informed that he would only need to take Peter to work and take him back home.
"I thought I would be with him all the time, but I was surprised to learn my role was just to ensure he gets to work and back home," he says.
The two walk from YMCA where Peter lives to Menengai primary school or take a motorbike to make sure Peter gets to work by 8am.
His work is tied to weekdays and some of the weekends that Peter may need his helps.
"Interestingly, Peter is a teacher, and despite living alone, he manages almost everything by himself, whether it's washing or cooking," he adds.
The 22-year-old reveals that he loves his job because he can make a difference in someone's life and hopes to use his platform to champion the rights of persons with disabilities.
Interestingly, Idambo says one of the discriminating behaviours he has noticed is how many people tend to talk to him alone when they walk up to the two, often forgetting to greet Peter, which breaks his heart.
"It's common for people to look down on and mistreat those with disabilities, but I use my platform to ensure they are treated with the dignity they deserve," he says.
People are often curious, Idambo says, asking him if he does personal tasks for Peter, but he clarifies that Peter is fully rehabilitated and capable of handling his chores.
"We were mutual friends because of Peter's brother, but our friendship has since become stronger because I have become his confidant even helping with Mpesa transactions sometimes," he reveals.
Idambo earns Sh. 10,000 a month and aims to save up to further his studies and acquire a degree in human resource management.