Philomena Wanjiru Kamumu, born in 1952 in Ikinu, Kiambu County is a mother of five who has bravely battled polio since birth, inspiring many.
Poliomyelitis, commonly known as (polio), is a disease caused by poliovirus virus which mainly affects children and could lead to paralysis and in some cases death.
The virus spreads through contaminated food and water or when one comes into direct contact with an infected person’s body fluids, particularly feaces.
While many people infected with the virus may not show symptoms, some could experience flu-like symptoms, and a small percentage could develop serious complications that affect the nervous system.
Kiambu County Government has been part of the polio vaccination campaigns which began on 2nd to 6th October in 2024, targeting children under the age of five.
Kiambu has been identified as among counties with a high risk of the disease along with Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado and others.
Wanjiru, who contracted polio at her young age causing permanent paralysis on her right leg, rendering her disabled, has relied on crutches throughout her life.
In 2016, Wanjiru was also diagnosed with arthritis in her left leg, which significantly impacted her mobility and unfortunately left her crippled in both legs, ultimately requiring her to use a wheelchair for mobility.
She however explains that she did not let her challenges stop her from exploring her passion which is crocheting of dresses, baskets, handbags and uniforms and this has brought her not only fame for her good work but also has empowered economically
“I have been able to educate my three children up to university level and also buy property courtesy of my work, because I have not allowed my disability define me,” she said.
Wanjiru, who also mentors and trains young girls, has called upon the government to find markets for her products to be able to empower even more people.
“In the recent past, I have started training young girls and people with disability what I do because I believe if we all share our talents, the world will be a better place for all of us,” she added.
Wanjiru also made sure to encourage parents to ensure their children have received their polio vaccination and not to ignore when called upon by the government to take their children for vaccination as this could prevent such health problems in the future.
“I believe that if my parents took me for polio vaccination when I was young, I could also be an able-bodied person. Vaccinations are very important,” cited Wanjiru.
The Kiambu County Assembly passed the Kiambu County Persons with Disability (PWD) Bill in 2024, also known as Kiambu County Bills No. 2 of 2024 which aims to provide rights and rehabilitation for people with disabilities.
The Bill also established a Kiambu County Board for Persons with Disabilities which is responsible for registering people with disabilities, issuing adjustment orders, and providing assistive devices.
“I am glad that many of us got registered last year though there we still some who were not registered more so those living deep in the rural areas and we hope that they too will be registered,” said Wanjiru
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) polio mainly affects children under 5 years of age. However, anyone of any age who is unvaccinated could contract the disease.
By Magdaline Thuku