Rachel to donate Sh500,000 for heart surgery

By CHARLES NGENO

Narok, Kenya; Deputy President William Ruto’s wife, Rachel, has pledged to help a Class Seven pupil undergo heart surgery.

Sharon Chepkemoi, who developed heart complications five years ago, had appealed to Mrs Ruto to help her meet the cost of the surgery.

On Friday, there was joy among teachers, pupils and parents of Mogoiwet Primary School in Narok County when leaders Soipan Tuya, Patrick Ntutu (Narok West MP) and Joseph Barusei (Mulot Ward Representative) delivered news that Mrs Ruto had agreed to donate Sh500,000 towards the operation. The leaders also contributed more than Sh100,000.

Breathing

The operation will take place at Mater Hospital, Nairobi, in December. “I was touched by the girl’s problems and want her to be taken to Nairobi for medical attention,” said Mr Ruto’s wife.

Chepkemoi’s mother, Sally Langat, while thanking Mrs Ruto for her kindness, explained that her daughter has had breathing difficulties due to the heart problems.

Head Teacher Henry Mutai said the girl would have had surgery in Egypt in 2011 but due to the lack of funds, this did not happen.