Political rivals unite in Bomet at burial of Ruto’s daughter

FROM LEFT: Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, Deputy President William Ruto, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Majority Leader Adan Duale during the funeral service of Emmy Ruto, the daughter to the Bomet Governor. PHOTO | DPPS 

In Summary

• Opposition and Government bigwigs had kind words for the former cricket captain

Political differences were on Saturday set aside as the country’s top leadership laid to rest the daughter of Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto who died last week.

The leaders, who included Deputy President William Ruto — who represented President Uhuru Kenyatta — and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, steered clear of politics and instead dwelt on the state of the health sector.

The funeral that was held at Governor Ruto’s Tumoi home in Chepalungu was attended by at least 30 governors, six senators and more than 20 MPs.

The leaders were unanimous that a cancer treatment centre be constructed in Bomet in honour of the late Ms Emily Chepng’etich Ruto, 25, who died at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi. She had been diagnosed with leukemia — blood cancer.

Emily was the captain of the national women’s cricket team. At least Sh8 million, which had been set aside for her treatment, will now be used to construct the centre.

The Deputy President said he and President Kenyatta will donate an additional Sh2 million to ensure the facility is constructed.

“We know the importance of healthcare. County governments have done well in this sector. They have eliminated ghost workers and improved hospitals,” he said pointing out that the government had set aside Sh34 billion to construct at least two level five hospitals across the 47 counties.
Referral hospitals

“At this time and age, people should not queue at referral hospitals in Nairobi,” the Deputy President said.

He added that another Sh500million had been set aside to construct a university in Bomet County. The construction of the facility, which will be a constituent college of Moi University, will begin in January.

Mr Odinga, on his part, said cancer was treatable when diagnosed at an early stage and urged Kenyans to go for regular checkups.

Even as he lauded the construction of the proposed cancer centre in Bomet, he said similar facilities should be set up in all the other counties.

Mr Odinga, at the same time, urged the government to release funds to the national cricket team that was scheduled to travel to South Africa in December.

“I have been approached by the team and they requested me to ask the government to release funds as they were scheduled to travel to South Africa. Mr Deputy President, in honour of the late Emily, please ensure that the funds are released immediately,” he said.

The Deputy President promised that this will be done.

Others who sent their condolences to the women’s national cricket team captain included President Kenyatta and retired President Daniel arap Moi as well as former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka. 

In a speech read on his behalf by Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, President Kenyatta said: “It is hard to comprehend how the cruel hand of death snatched her from our midst … she was energetic, jovial and an extremely pleasant person.”

Shocking news

Retired President Moi described the death as shocking. In his message of condolence that was read by his son, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, the former President said: “She was a role model and a darling amongst the youth”.

Others who spoke at the event were National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, and Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso among others.

The Council of Governors Vice-Chairman Salim Mvurya said Emily lived an inspiring life which young people should learn from.

He promised that the governors will support the establishment of the cancer treatment centre.

“We must invest in healthcare. We also need other strategic centres in the other regions so that Kenyans do not die from such diseases,” he said.

The Bomet Governor and his wife Esther also eulogised their daughter and thanked the country for support.

Cricket Kenya officials, who were also present, asked the county government to help develop the sport in the region.

They promised to donate an astro-turf that would be used to play the game in the region.