Nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura has been won global recognition for championing the rights of those with special needs in the society and helping vulnerable children.
On June 5, Netherlands-based international organization Terres Des Hommes named him among 2020s 11 superheroes.
As the world marked the International Day Against Child Labour, Terres Des Hommes said that it is honoured to recognize Mwaura’s efforts.
“Mwaura Isaac Maigua is a Kenyan politician, a disability advocate and currently a Nominated Senator in the Kenyan Senate, representing Persons with Disabilities. He’s an advocate of Children in the Parliament and strong activist against Child Labour,” the organization said in a statement.
Terres Des Homes is a key campaigner of children rights. It advocates against child abuse which manifests itself through sexual abuse, child trafficking, child labour among other things.
Though it regional branches, one of them being in Kenya, it offers necessary and emergency assistance to the vulnerable.
Mwaura who is the chair of the Albinism Society of Kenya in a statement full of gratitude said that what keeps him going is the smile he puts on someone else’s face.
“When we serve humanity with all our hearts, we don’t think some people notice. I am committed to making change even when no one is noticing. The joy to serve and put a smile on someone’s face keeps me going,” he offered.
He maintained that it is difficult for people living with a disability because their success or failure is pegged on their condition which should not be the case.
“One thing that I have come to accept is that if you are from a group considered disadvantaged, your success or failure will be attributed to your condition or status. Some people can’t see you beyond their limitations of what they think you are. Don’t borrow their lenses in order to see yourself,” he said.
Mwaura whose political career began as a nominated MP on an ODM ticket in the 11th Parliament has been credited with championing for the rights of people living with disabilities.
He is the founder of Kenya Disability Parliamentary Association whose membership comprises legislators and representatives of persons with disabilities.
During his five-year stint as a nominated MP representing persons with disability, he founded the Intersex Persons Society of Kenya (IPSK), and pushed for legislation which allows students with disability to get university admission at lower points.
