The First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, has encouraged Kenyans to embrace diversity by taking care of those living with Albinism in the Society as she called upon everyone to challenge the stigma that has been associated with the Albinism Community.
The First Lady made her remarks when she graced the International Albinism Awareness Day 2025 Celebrations with the Theme, “Demanding our Rights, Protect our skin, preserve our Lives” held at Huruma Sub County Hospital grounds, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
She urged Kenyans to celebrate everyone in the society regardless of their differences.
Mama Rachel commended the president for spearheading and ensuring that the rights and needs of people living with disabilities are held up high, ensuring that every citizen has a voice and equal opportunities.
The First Lady lauded the president’s utmost dedication and decision to sign the People with Disabilities Act on 8th May 2025. The Act ensures the Protection, Promotion and Advancement of the rights and Dignity of People living with Disabilities living in the country, which reflects the Government’s commitment to uphold the values of Inclusivity and Respect, which are Fundamental to the Nation.
She highlighted that since the United Nations proclaimed the day, 13th June as the International Albinism Awareness Day in 2014, Nations around the globe have been called to protect the Rights, Health and Dignity of People living with Albinism.
She further emphasized that Inclusion is more than just a slogan but a commitment to action, which demands the breaking of barriers to Education, Employment and Participation in society.
Borrowing the Words of Former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki that states, “The true measure of Human Rights lies in how we treat our most Vulnerable members,”, Mama Rachel emphasized on the collective responsibility of everyone in nurturing and supporting those who might not have a voice in the society, serving as a reminder that the progress as a nation is reflected in the care and opportunities people extend to the most marginalized Members of the society.
She underscored that the presence of People living with Albinism contributes richly to the communities and deserves a Kenya that Champions Inclusivity and Fairness. She emphasized the need to create an environment where they can co-exist with others without fear of discrimination, be it in their learning or working areas.
“Let us work towards dismantling the barriers that hinder their progress and erode their Dignity. Let us Promote Education and awareness that Challenges stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding Albinism by fostering an environment of acceptance which will ensure that everyone, regardless of their appearance, is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve,” said the First Lady.
The First Lady lauded the role played by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the Kenya Medical Supply Authority for distributing free Sunscreen to over 3,800 people living with Albinism.
Mama Rachel acknowledged the efforts of some people living with Disabilities one of them being the Government Spokesperson, Mr. Isaac Mwaura who defied all odds to become a Prominent voice in Kenyan Politics.
She highlighted his Pivotal role in co-founding the Albinism Society of Kenya back in 2006, an initiative that has raised vital awareness regarding challenges faced by people living with Albinism and has become instrumental in combating the discrimination they encounter, hence creating acceptance and understanding in the society.
She also acknowledged Justice Grace Mumbi Ngugi, whose story serves as a beacon of hope to many from being discriminated against to being A High Court Judge and also being a Co-Founder Albinism Foundation of East Africa, a Foundation that is pivotal in advocating for those living with Albinism.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura affirmed government support to People living with Albinism through the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD)’s Albinism Support Program, which offers protective products like sunscreen, clothing, and eyewear, and provides comprehensive eye care, including eyeglasses.
Others present were Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim, Alex Munyere from Albinism Society of Kenya, NCPWD Chairperson Elizabeth Chesang and others.
By Ekuwam Sylvester and Victor Maru
