Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua on Tuesday, September 10, elicited loads of emotions after a post he made concerning the hardship he underwent growing up.
In the post seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Mutua took his audience on the journey of how he rose from grass to grace.
He also posted a picture of his younger self dressed in a patterned green sweater and a white shirt, probably smiling at his future.
"I left my parents and sister Anne in a wooden shack with soil flooring and a tricky pit latrine( Riruta Satellite/ Kawangware) and traveled to the United States, wearing Mitumba clothes from Gikomba to study so that I could change Kenya for the better. Praise be to God," he revealed.
Mutua who exclusively spoke to Kenyans.co.ke disclosed that despite the stark poverty, he had a very happy childhood because his parents did all they could and he attended church actively at Riruta Baptist.
"Before the wooden houses in Riruta, my parents and I lived in Makina slums in Kibra, in a single room mud house.
We had an old, brown radio, whose batteries we used to take out and expose them to the sun to get some charge."
Mutua's church loving nature and being 'chap chap' earned him a scholarship in the US from missionaries.
Netizens aware of the Machakos boss' humble background agreed with the Governors narrative, throwing in occasional memories they shared with him.
"Mutua this is exactly how I remember it when we were schooling together at Whitworth in Washington State. Very proud to see all your achievements. Praise be to God indeed," David Kasonga concurred.
An old student of the former journalist Murags Ndegwa was also elated to reconnect with Mutua.
"I know you from Riruta Satellite. You used to be our Sunday school teacher Riruta Baptist Church," he posted.
Wambu Wa Wainaina," Yeah I remember very well you used to live in my Grandmother's plot. You used to teach us in Riruta Baptist Church as youths. I fondly remember how you used to organise plays and skirts, and dances to present during the Christmas season in the church. You're one in a million"
Jim Wahinya, claimed "I remember those days. We were neighbors. At Riruta Baptist Church on Christmas Eve."
"I remember that young man. Had him over for dinner. Happy to see you doing so well. Keep up the good work," Dennis Lunstroth congratulated.
Ken Bit who knew Mutua while still a journalist posted," You have come from far indeed and all glory to Jesus. I remember you from the days of "Msafiri" in the 'Daily Nation'; well-told true stories on various travel escapades across the globe. Believe you me I still keep copies of those interesting articles. God bless you in a mighty way."
Henry GK also disclosed," Dr. Alfred Mutua I hosted you at my house at Whitworth in Washington state for 6 months before you started working in the nearby supermarket. God is great indeed."
