Ruto’s daughter gets warm send-off as leaders unite against killer cancer

Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga set aside their political rivalry to give a befitting send off to the late Emmy Chepng’etich Ruto, daughter of Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, who died of cancer last week.

Speaking at Chebara Primary School in Tumoi Village, Chepalungu Constituency yesterday, the two joined leaders from across the political divide and regretted that cancer, a disease that can be cured if detected early, has continued to claim the lives of many Kenyans.

They steered clear of the ongoing debate on whether or not the country should hold a national referendum to increase national revenue allocations to counties.

Deputy President Ruto said the Government had agreed with governors on establishment of at least two level five hospitals in each of the 47 counties. Each of these hospitals will be equipped with modern facilities for detection and treatment of diseases such as cancer.

“We have agreed with the governors that Sh34 billion be allocated to rehabilitation and improvement of hospitals so that they can undertake specialised treatment for patients suffering from cancer and other lifestyle diseases,” he said.

He said he and President Uhuru Kenyatta would give an additional Sh2 million towards establishment of a cancer centre in Bomet in honour of the late Chepng’etich.

“The Sh2 million will be added to the Sh8 million raised by Governor Ruto towards the project,” said the DP.

He also revealed that Sh500 million has been set aside for establishment of a public university in Bomet County, beginning next year.

Ruto and Raila, who sat next to each other, kept exchanging niceties throughout the occasion, and even made fun of each other when giving tribute to the fallen Kenya women’s cricket team captain and only daughter of the Bomet Governor. She died at the age of 25 after a battle with leukemia.

The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Joyce Laboso, captured the mood of the two leaders when she called for more tolerance and cooperation, saying the death of Chepng’etich had united leaders.

“We should be seeing more of this, where leaders put aside their political differences and talk together, knowing that this beautiful country belongs to all of us,” said Laboso.

Raila, while eulogising Chepng’etich, said it was sad that cancer was claiming many lives in Kenya, yet it can be treated when detected in its early stages. “We need to establish cancer centres across the country to stop our people from dying of a disease that can easily be treated. Each county must have a state-of-the-art facility for cancer treatment,” said the former PM.

Raila said lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes can be tackled if the Government invests in research and educates people about them.

He described Chepng’etich as a beautiful, talented and hardworking young woman who excelled in sports and academics.

Ruto, who had a written tribute from Uhuru, did a most unusual thing by delegating the duty of reading the speech to Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir.

Uhuru described the fallen cricketer as a focused and committed Kenyan who gave her all for the country. “During her short life, the late Chepng’etich has been a role model and a mentor to many girls. She should inspire us to work hard,” said President Uhuru. Former President Daniel Moi, in his condolence message to the family delivered by Baringo Sentaor Gideon Moi, described Chepng’etich as a girl who forged friendship across all ethnic communities.

Beautiful memories

“She was dedicated, talented, a role model and a darling of the youth. Despite her condition she did not waste time with self-pity but strove to excel. I know you are pained by her death, but I know you have been left with wonderful and beautiful memories of Chepng’etich,” said Moi.

The funeral brought together 32 governors, 15 senators, 22 MPs, several former Cabinet ministers, senior government officers and other dignitaries. Also present was besieged ODM executive director Magerer Langat, whose presence was well received by mourners. They clapped and cheered him as he entered the venue in the company of Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba.

Leader of Majority in Parliament Adan Duale, who recently had a spat with the Bomet Governor over the Pesa Mashinani campaign in Narok, told the gathering his friendship with the governor started long ago in Parliament, and will continue.

“We have come to stand with you and comfort you. As Parliament, we will support the establishment of the cancer centre,” said Duale.

The chairperson of Kenya Cricket Association, Jackie Janmohamed, and cricketers paid glowing tribute to the fallen star and stated that they had retired jersey number eight in honour of Chepng’etich.