Former nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura has recounted how newly elected Webuye East MP Martin Wanyonyi Pepela got his first job despite failing an interview.
According to Mwaura, Wanyonyi contacted him in 2009 and asked for help to get a job after being rejected by many potential employers because of his disability.
"I remember Martin coming for the interview. I took him through the process. He failed terribly, almost all the questions, he got all wrong. However, I told him that he had failed the interview, but I will give him the job," Mwaura recounted.
In Mwaura's words, Wanyonyi appeared harassed but determined when he went for the interview.
"He was living in Kangemi slums and he had tried getting a job but with each door that he knocked, he was discriminated against and rejected based on being a person living with Albinism. His spirit was very low and he requested if I could help him get a job," Mwaura stated.
Wanyoyi was reportedly 1 year behind the lawmaker in high school. After the interview, he became a part of the Albinism Society of Kenya.
Notably, Mwaura reiterated his ambition to protect mentor people living with albinism who was at the time termed a 'spectacle'.
"As a pioneer, each morning, I would inspire my young brothers that one day, they would take up after me," Mwaura announced.
His interaction with a reputable politician propelled his political career.
"I am very glad to witness the success of what I dreamt of, indeed dreams are valid. I hope Martin takes over the leadership of the Kenya Disability Parliamentary Association (KEDIPA), the first ever caucus of parliamentarians with disabilities that I founded in the Kenyan Parliament," a proud Mwaura added.
Wanyonyi, 37, was first nominated as an MCA in 2013, and in 2017, he retained his seat after being elected as an independent candidate.
In the concluded August 9 polls, he was elected as Webuye East MP with 11,600 votes defeating his closest opponent Iyaya Wanjala who garnered 4,200 votes.
Wanyonyi had vied on a Ford Kenya party ticket while Wanjala vied on a Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) ticket.
