Disabled artist behind ‘hilarious’ sculptures pleads with Uhuru, Raila to carve new ones for them

By , K24 Digital
On Wed, 30 Dec, 2020 13:10 | 2 mins read
Samuel Otieno
Some of the sculptures made by disabled Kisumu-based artist, Samuel Otieno. PHOTO | COURTESY

The disabled artist, Samuel Otieno, the man behind the somewhat hilarious if not slightly off the mark sculptures of prominent leaders, has revealed that his biggest wish this year is to make two new ones for President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader, Raila Odinga.

Speaking to Mediamax Digital, Otieno said that he would be honoured if the two leaders grant him the chance to sculpt them.

Asked how much would he sell the sculptures to President Kenyatta and Raila, the artist said that it would be upon them to pay what they feel is the right amount for the job and quality of the sculpture.

“It will not be respectful to demand a certain amount from any leader. I will take any offer that they will give me,” said Otieno, who hails from Seme in Kisumu County.

Otieno revealed that well-wishers have sent him over Sh3,600 over the last two days in his M-Pesa account after his sculptures were shared widely on social media.

He said that people who are willing to have their sculptures done should be ready to part with at least Sh20,000 while prominent leaders must fork out Sh50,000.

The father of seven said he has been working hard to provide the best education for his first-born daughter who is a candidate at Mbaga Girls High School in Siaya County.

Otieno said that hardship forced him to drop out of school in Standard Eight. Nevertheless, he never gave up on his drawing talent. Instead, Otieno said he upskilled by learning how to model using clay.

“I don’t believe in asking for handouts on account of my disability. I opted to work hard and ensure that I give my children what they deserve,” he said.

Besides sculpting human figures, Otieno also carves animals.

Some of the portrays that Otieno has made include that of President Kenyatta, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, ODM leader Raila Odinga amongst others.