Crystal Asige, a visually impaired Kenyan senator, award-winning musician, and disability advocate, is transforming Kenya’s political and cultural landscape with her commitment to inclusivity.
Asige’s journey from Mombasa Island to becoming one of Kenya’s most prominent politicians is a testament to resilience, defying the odds, and challenging societal stigmas around disability.
A Voice for the Underdogs
In a powerful speech she delivered at this year’s One Young World summit in Montreal, Canada, a video of which has been posted on her Facebook page, Asige described herself as an “underdog,” drawing inspiration from Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
Despite the physical challenges brought on by her glaucoma diagnosis, which began in her teens, Asige stressed the importance of focusing on the “unseen” — a message that resonates deeply in her advocacy work.
“Remember, if all you see is all you see, then you don’t see all there is to be seen. Let those resonate becasue they encapsulate my experience” she shared a poetic philosophy she lives by.
Sharing how her progressive vision loss has shaped her into a fighter for marginalized groups, especially persons with disabilities (PWDs), she shared a mantra that she lives by everyday:
“I have glaucoma, but glaucoma does not have me.”
She reflected on her struggles, including over 20 surgeries to retain her sight, and the discrimination she faced in Kenya’s deeply conservative society.
Asige now stands as a beacon of hope for those who feel unseen and unheard, using her platform as a senator to sponsor bills that promote inclusivity, such as the Persons with Disabilities Bill, the Kenya Sign Language Bill, and amendments to transportation laws aimed at reducing road fatalities.
Paving the Way for a More Inclusive Kenya
As a young senator and one of Kenya’s top-performing female politicians, Asige’s work extends far beyond Parliament. She recently founded the Crystal Asige Foundation, dedicated to creating an inclusive society that dismantles barriers within Kenya’s infrastructure, systems, and cultural practices. Through this foundation, she seeks to uplift marginalized groups and promote equal opportunities for all.
“Disability does not discriminate, people do,” Asige said, calling for society to embrace the inherent creativity and talents of those with disabilities.
Her foundation is working tirelessly to build a future where disability is not a barrier but a source of strength.
A Champion in the Arts and Politics
While her work in Parliament has earned her recognition as one of Kenya’s “Top 40 Under 40,” Asige continues to make waves in the music industry. Using her artistic platform, she engages young people in current affairs and social issues. Her influence is so profound that she joked about a future social media hashtag: “Senator Crystal Asige sings in Senate.”
Asige’s story is one of breaking stereotypes. She challenges the notion that individuals with disabilities are charity cases, instead portraying them as people of immense talent, skill, and creativity. Her work in both the creative and political spheres proves that individuals like her have the power to surprise and elevate the world.
Crystal Asige’s unwavering determination and belief in the potential of every individual, regardless of ability, make her a true champion for inclusivity and disability rights.
Her message to embrace all aspects of oneself and never hide is a call to action, not just for those with disabilities, but for everyone.
Through her leadership, both in politics and the arts, Asige is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive Kenya. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder that when we open our hearts and minds to see beyond the surface, we uncover a world of possibilities.
