Ruto, Raila united in fight against cancer

Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga yesterday 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.

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

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

Ruto said the government has agreed with governors to establish at least two level five hospitals in each of the 47 counties that will be equipped with modern facilities for detection and treatment of diseases such as cancer.

"We have agreed with governors to allocate Sh34 billion towards rehabilitation and improving the hospitals that can manage to undertake specialised treatment for patients suffering from cancer and other lifestyle diseases," said the Deputy President.

He further said President Uhuru Kenyatta and him will give an additional Sh2 million towards the establishment of a cancer center 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 and will continue to support its establishment," said the DP.

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

Ruto and Raila who sat next to each other kept on exchanging niceties and laughing throughout the occasion and even made fun of each other when giving tribute to the fallen Kenyan Women Cricket team captain and the only daughter of the Bomet Governor who died at the age of 25 after a battle with leukemia.

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 Chepngetich, 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 centers across the country to stop our people from dying from 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 like high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes can be tackled if the government invests in research and educate people about them.

He described her death as painful and that she died at a tender age. He described her as beautiful, talented and hardworking and excelled in both sports and academics.

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

Uhuru described the late Chepng'etich as a focused and committed Kenyan who gave her all for the country.

"During her short life, the late Chepngetich has been a role model and a mentor to most girls. The late 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 Chepngetich as a girl who forged friendship across all ethnic communities.

"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 occasion brought together 32 governors, 15 senators, 22 MPs several former cabinet ministers, senior government officers among other dignitaries.

Also present was besieged ODM Executive Director Magerer Langat whose presence was well received by mourners who 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 Bomet Governor over the Pesa Mashinani campaign in Narok got an opportunity to address the gathering and said their friendship with the governor started long time 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 center," said Duale.

The chairperson of Kenya Cricket Association Jackie Janmohamed and players paid a glowing tribute to the fallen cricket star and stated that they have retired jersey number eight in honour of Chepngetich.