Raila Responds to University Student Text Message With Ksh10M Donation

Undated Image of ODM leader Raila Odinga (right), FormerKakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and secretary-general Edwin Sifuna
Undated Image of ODM leader Raila Odinga (right), Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and secretary-general Edwin Sifuna
Edwin Sifuna

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga, responded to a text message sent to him by a university student by making a Ksh10 million donation to a hospital in Kiambu County.

Speaking during the tour of Mt Kenya region, the former Prime Minister told the crowd that on September 4, a university student wrote him a message requesting him to attend his birthday. Raila responded by making an appearance.

During the birthday party, the university student, identified as Gideon Gichuki, confided to him on the state of Kigumo hospital. The opposition leader listened to their plea and promised to intervene.

Raila Odinga During Gideon Gichuki's Birthday Party in Kiambu County on September 4
Raila Odinga During Gideon Gichuki's Birthday Party in Kiambu County on September 4
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The university student requested Raila to equip Kigumo Hospital with an x-ray machine.

"On September 4, a young man from this village wrote me a text message and told me he has a birthday which he wants me to grace as a guest of honour. I was surprised but promised to attend." 

"I was warmly welcomed to the party and one of the guests in the company of Gideon, Ruth Muthoni, requested me to help the Kigumo Hospital with an x-ray machine," Raila stated.

On Thursday, October 21, Raila honoured the request when he handed the equipment worth Ksh10 million to the Kigumo Level IV Hospital.

Gideon, in his appreciation speech, told the crowd that Raila had kept his promise and he, therefore, deserves support from the people of Mt Kenya region.

"We say thank you Raila for honouring the leadership of the youth. I also want to thank the Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) who have supported me throughout this journey," Gideon stated.

In a separate interview with a local publication, Gideon stated that he would have chosen to request for a car but he decided to address the plight of his people.

“Politicians think of the current generation while leaders think about the next generation. I think that asking for an X-Ray machine was better than asking for maybe a vehicle. This would save the next generation,” he stated.

During the birthday party, Raila had gifted 22, a third-year student at the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) with a dairy cow.

In an earlier interview with Kenyans.co.ke, Gichuki noted that it was not an easy task to reach Raila and convince him to include spare time in his busy schedule.

He stated that he had earlier tried to contact the former Prime Minister via email but he did not get any response.

Gichuki's big break to establishing contact with Raila came when he got his number from a close friend and courageously texted the party boss.

Undated Photo of Gideon Gichuki Rearing A Cow he Was Gifted by Raila Odinga on September 4
Undated Photo of Gideon Gichuki Rearing A Cow he Was Gifted by Raila Odinga on September 4
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