They say disability is not inability. This was demonstrated on Wednesday as several learners living with disability brought the 97th Kenya National Music Festivals in Meru to a standstill.

In a rich display of culture, creativity, raw and rich talent, performers left audiences in awe as they demonstrated choreography, music and dance.

Watching various such schools perform was an eye-opening experience for locals who thronged three venues to catch a glimpse of Kenya’s top talents.

Unlike the Kenya National Drama festivals, which were riddled with controversies early this year, the music festivals appear different, with the messaging well-calculated. Not too critical of the government or its structures.

The Standard established that the content on display was largely moderated by senior education officials to avert a repeat of the chaotic scenes witnessed last year, where hard-hitting content targeting the government was on display.

Yesterday, audiences were left stunned as learners living with disability took to the stage, attracting some of the biggest applause in the traditional cultural group dances for the mentally challenged schools.

Shaviga Special School for Mentally Handicapped from Kakamega County captivated the crowd with their dancing and singing. Saida Violet, who is in charge of the music and drama department, applauded the effort.

The children watched Ms Violet’s every step and she remained on stage for what she termed team spirit and also to direct them. 

She said although they tend to forget information and patterns, their display was an inspiration. Top position was taken by Equator Special School from Nyanza, followed by Shavihiga and Apokor School, also from Western.

And though Shavihiga settled for second, they were beaming with joy as they received their certificate.

Oruba School from Migori County, under composer-cum trainer Jeffrey Thomas, a PLWD after a 2007 road accident, wowed the audience with their energy, but even more importantly, with their theme of how it was important for all Kenyans to register for health insurance.

The schools’ lower primary, upper primary, junior, and secondary sections had compositions on insurance.

The performers’ ability to switch body movements and facial expressions to express somber, moody notes was captivating.

Their girls’ set piece Sister Awake, Close Not Your Eyes’ and Sifa Zake Mwalimu celebrating the role of teachers in their education and development, was appreciated by the crowd.

And though Thomas is physically challenged, it was easy for all to see how the learners, some with eye problems, have learned his methods, to the point of watching his eyes communicating which direction he wants them to move.

Machakos Primary School produced a stunning performance as the girl’s troupe delivered a powerful rendition of Kilumi dance, leaving the audience in a blitz of applause.

Basic Education PS Julius Bitok appealled to teachers to use the music festival as a platform to instill patriotism, morality and purpose in learners.

The PS said with majority of learners from different regions meeting it is an opportunity to entrench cohesion.

He noted that event has brought together more than 240,000 participants, including children with special needs, to celebrate Kenya’s rich cultural heritage.

“Let us use this forum to eliminate negativities entrenched in our societies. Because music speaks to the heart and soul. This is a golden opportunity to help our young people listen, reflect, and become true patriots,” said Dr Bitok.

He urged organisers and teachers to go beyond performance to use every note and verse to nurture character, loyalty, and love for the country.

“I want to believe that the organisers will use the national anthem to continue making the prayer because the words of the national anthem reflect the prayer of this nation that has collected almost a million of us together to pray for this nation,” he said.

In a reminder that festivals can also expose students to risks, Bitok warned teachers against inappropriate relationships with learners an issue that has haunted the education sector for years.