Farouk Kibet steps in to support persons with disabilities in Western Kenya

For eleven years, Jennifer Khasoa Barasa has lived through a prolonged medical ordeal marked by repeated hospital visits, mounting costs and dwindling hope as she sought treatment for a debilitating leg condition.

The 32-year-old from Malava, Kakamega County, has been moving from one health facility to another since 2014 after developing lymphoedema, a chronic condition that caused persistent swelling in her right leg following a surgical procedure while she was still in college.

“I was born healthy and lived a normal life until 2014 while in college, when I underwent surgery on the right groin. Two months after the operation, I developed swelling in the right lower limb, which persisted,” she said.

Doctors later confirmed she was suffering from lymphoedema, a long-term condition caused by a malfunction of the lymphatic system, leading to fluid build-up in tissues, most commonly in the arms or legs.

According to Ms Khasoa, efforts by her family to seek treatment across various hospitals in Kenya were repeatedly frustrated by financial constraints and limited access to specialised care. Her mother, Eunice Barasa, who is widowed, struggled to raise funds as the family exhausted its resources.

“We moved from one hospital to the other but financial constraints hampered us,” she said.

At one point, the family attempted community fundraising to raise about Sh2 million needed for treatment, but fell short.

Her situation changed after intervention from Farouk Kibet, an aide to President William Ruto. She is now receiving specialised treatment at Amrit Hospital in Faridabad, New Delhi, India.

“I am grateful that Farouk came to my rescue. He is a Godsend,” she said.

In a separate case in Teso North, Busia County, another resident whose life had been defined by physical disability and economic hardship has also found renewed opportunity through the same political aide’s intervention.

Joseph Isongol, who lives with a disability that has left him without both legs, had long struggled to make a living in an environment with limited economic opportunities for persons with disabilities.

His turning point came during a boda boda empowerment event where he was hired to perform as a singer.

Isongol says his performance that day drew unexpected attention and later led to a life-changing promise from Kibet.

“I did not see it coming. I had just gone to perform as usual. I thought it was a joke because I have never dreamt of owning a vehicle. I have performed for many politicians, but this particular day is the one I will never forget,” he said.

He was later gifted a Toyota Probox, which he says has transformed his livelihood.

When the vehicle was delivered, he said, it became more than a source of income. It marked a shift in his independence and social standing.

Over the past two years, Farouk has maintained a visible presence in Western Kenya.

He has frequently attended community fundraising events across the region.

His increasing involvement has earned him the local nickname “Akhonya”, loosely translated as “the generous one.”