Nyamira Man Paralysed By Meningitis Graduates With Degree, Says He's A Man Of Many Abilities

• James Okemwa was struck by meningitis during his first year at the university, leaving two-thirds of his body paralysed
• He dropped out and for over five years, bitterness not only consumed him but he also lost all hope in life
• However, a transformative moment came when he met a lecturer who opened his eyes to a new perspective, showing him that being on a wheelchair was not the end of life
• With this newfound inspiration, Okemwa's outlook on life changed dramatically and he gradually regained hope and determination, making him rejoin university and graduate

James Okemwa Mokua from Nyamira joined Kisii University in 2014 while fully mobile and walking on both legs, but that would change after a year.

His life changed when he suffered from meningitis which paralysed two-thirds of his body, forcing him to put his studies on hold.

Acceptance was not easy

For the next five years, Okemwa struggled with accepting that his mobility had come to a screeching halt and that he would start moving around in a wheelchair.

He told TUKO.co.ke that for several months, he rejected himself and hated anybody who said the word disability until he met many others with the same condition.

"In fact I had not shaved my hair for two years and never bathed for one and a half years since I had lost hope in my life," he recalled.

In 2019, Okemwa took a second stab at the education journey he had put on hold and joined campus again, this time at Kenyatta University.

Chariot to independence

His outlook changed when he met the director of disability at the university who told him that he could still be smart while in a wheelchair.

During his studies, he even realised he had leadership when he served as a student leader in the KUSA.

On July 21, this year, he graduated from Kenyatta University with a bachelor's degree in Education (Special Needs), Mathematics and Business studies.

"I currently live alone and do may of my things without help despite of my disability. I would wish the word to know that a wheelchair is not a symbols of disability but a vehicle to freedom and liberation," he stated.

Looking for job

Okemwa added that he is aware the first time people look at him they see his disability, but he reiterated that once anyone tries him, they are able to see vast abilities.

Since he graduated, his focus at the moment is securing a job to enable him take care of his bills and lead a normal life.

"Despite having the disability, I am still employable as much as I currently don't have a job," he said, challenging corporates to give him a try.

Abel Kirwa's story

Okemwa's story is almost similar to Abel Kirwa's who's pursuit of education hit a snag when he experienced a spine condition that resulted in the amputation of one of his legs.

Despite this setback, he remained undeterred and reapplied to Kenyatta University two years after the initial offer.

His determination paid off as he recently achieved his dream by graduating with a Bachelor of Library and Information Science degree.

Reflecting on his accomplishment, Abel expressed immense pride and joy especially when he saw his name listed among the graduates.