Former Councilor Barnabas Chemase was on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, laid to rest at his home in Chembulet Village, Tembelio ward, Uasin Gishu County.
Chemase died a few weeks ago following a long illness.
He served as a councilor in the defunct Wareng County Council for two terms, while representing Tembelio ward before the devolved system of governance was introduced in 2013.
Chemase unsuccessfully vied for the Tembelio Member of County Assembly (MCA) seat in 2013 and later served as patron for people living with disabilities in Uasin Gishu County.
Speaking during the final send-off of the former councilor, Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno has asked Kenyans to consider people living with disabilities for various elective political positions in the coming general election.
Chemno said many people in leadership positions like Chemase have proved that disability is not inability.
He noted that the late Chemase was instrumental both in political and social areas and praised him for his initiatives and dedication in supporting needy children in society and championing the rights of the people living with disabilities.
“We thank the people of Tembelio who elected him as their leader. They never considered him as a person with a disability, but a leader. He was influential and worked hard in championing for the welfare of all locals, from vulnerable, the needy to those with disabilities,” noted Chemno.
The Deputy Governor also hailed Chemase for his dedication to helping children from disadvantaged families even after he had left the leadership position.
“I want to challenge the society that even if you have any challenges, or you are disabled, you can still serve the community,” noted Chemno.
