Newly crowned Miss Tourism Africa Jeruto Komen treated to a colourful reception
Arts & Culture
By
George Orido
| Jan 23, 2016
Newly crowned Miss Tourism Africa Jacqueline Jeruto Komen was draped in hide and skin as well as linen, distinctly in the colours of our national flag.
“It is a good day to celebrate,” so went the melodious song in her native Tugen, sang by the many who had come to receive her, led by her parents, Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, his wife Dr Emmy Chesire as well as the 2014 Miss Tourism Africa Sianto Sikawa of Narok and a host of other dignitaries who had been waiting for hours before her plane landed at exactly 8:20pm.
She was offered a gourd of sour milk, mursik, specially prepared for her by her mother Rose Komen.
“I am very happy and so full of joy; I do not know where to start.
But I thank God Almighty, my parents, Baringo County officials, Kabarak University fraternity and all Kenyans of goodwill who voted for me,” said a tearful Jacqueline who could not believe what she had achieved for her country.
She was visibly overwhelmed by the reception she received.
“When I was I Malaysia at the academy I wondered how I could get the people voting, then my friends called and asked me not to worry as they would take care of it,” she said, adding that when she saw a delegation of more than 20 Kenyan delegation as she graced the runway her confidence grew.
What started as a joke, spurred on by colleagues and friends, steadily grew from the sub-counties, counties and thrust this self-effacing girl onto a national stage.
National government support
“Jacqueline is a humble and intelligent girl. She is a good role model to our young children who at times lack in self-confidence to move forward. She is a good example,” the Baringo governor said of the winner, urging the national government to support her programmes for the next year she will be holding the title. Baringo North MP William Cheptum, who was also present, also congratulated her.
A representative of Kabarak University, Steve Muttai, where Jeruto is a student, pointed out that despite being a faith-based institution, the victory vindicated their firm belief that such activities as fashion and beauty can still blend well with well-grounded religious and spiritual foundation.
Her father Mika Komen is a man with pride sitting high among men as he appreciates her daughter as a gift from “Ebenezer”.
Jacqueline had gone to Malaysia to contest for Miss Tourism World against over 50 other contestants in a beauty pageant won by Miss Tourism Thailand Nucharin Sinlaparak in a colourful ceremony held at the Swiss Garden Hotel Melaka, in Malaysia.