Deputy President William Ruto has saved a group of young Kenyans from walking more than 600km to Mombasa after he promised to raise money for their cause.
The group had launched a campaign to walk from Nyeri to Mombasa County to raise money to cater for the medical expenses of one of their own, Epharus Wangari, who had been crippled by an accident.
John Wanjau, who was part of the group, told Kenyans.co.ke that the DP donated Ksh1 million and promised to source the remainder from his associates.
They initially needed Ksh2.5 million but over time, the cost rose to about Ksh4.2 million.
"Pleased to support Epharus Wangari, a university student, who needs specialised treatment after she was involved in a road accident," Ruto announced on his Twitter.
"After walking from Nyeri to Nairobi, a journey of more than 150km, raising funds to rescue one of us, you have come to our rescue!
"You have really demonstrated your true commitment to promote the welfare of the common man. And support the youth of this country. After learning of our plight & sufferings you acted with speed to ensure that you support [sic] our campaign to help Wangari walk again. Asante sana (Thank you very much)!" expressed Kariithi Wambui.
Every day the young men and women would start their journey at 7am and retire for the day at 8pm.
Throughout the campaign that took 20 days, the team had encountered many challenges including some of the members falling ill and sleeping outside in the cold.
Nevertheless, they braved on and sometimes relied on well wishers for accommodation and food.
The first show of love they got was from women who sold produce at Kibingoti market who sympathised and rallied friends to contribute to the cause.
Jesus Winner Ministries Church in Roysambu had also contributed Ksh 153, 000.
The team used the initial Ksh 900, 000 that they were able to raise to send Wangari to India for specialised treatment.
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