Michael Makarina defends himself against claims he asked govt to buy him phone
By Steve Ireri, September 1, 2025Disability activist Michael Mutembei Makarina has moved to clarify recent misconceptions surrounding his requests to the government, stressing that he never sought a personal phone for himself.
In a video shared on his Facebook page on Monday, September 1, 2025, the activist explained that his appeal was intended to ensure that government resources meant for persons with disabilities reach the intended beneficiaries.
“I am very upset with those people who are challenging everything I say about persons with disabilities. I never said that I wanted a phone for myself. I cannot ask the government or any minister to buy me a phone. If I have ever asked anyone to buy me a phone, let them speak. I cannot even ask for a car; some ministers don’t have one themselves,” he said.
He clarified that previous comments were misinterpreted, with some individuals claiming he had requested a government-funded device for himself, which he strongly refuted.
He insisted that his advocacy was focused on directing funds allocated for disabled persons towards purchasing phones for those in need, ensuring that assistance reaches the right people rather than being diverted elsewhere.
“What I was requesting was for the government to use funds allocated for persons with disabilities to buy phones for them. The money involved is small, around KSh 4,000, meant to reach the disabled individuals directly, not to be diverted by chiefs or others managing the funds. I never said I wanted the government to buy a phone for me personally,” he added.
He added that the funds in question are modest, citing amounts equivalent to around Ksh4,000, intended to enable people with disabilities to access communication tools directly.
Makarina then flaunted his handsets, which included the latest iPhone 16 Pro Max and a Samsung Fold 6, soon to be upgraded to Fold 7.
“I already have many devices, including Samsung Fold phones, and I even replace my phone only once a year. Right now, I have an iPhone 16 Pro Max and around seven other phones. I also have a Samsung Fold 6 and will soon get a Fold 7, and I own an iPad,” he said.
The activist emphasised that his role is to defend the rights of persons with disabilities, and he urged the public to focus on the real issue, ensuring government assistance reaches those it is meant to serve, rather than spreading false claims about his personal use of funds.
He called for responsible reporting and understanding of advocacy work, noting that misrepresentation distracts from the needs of the disabled community.
“So, please stop saying I have not been responsible. I am defending persons with disabilities, leave me out of personal attacks.”