Two Women Who Trekked for 346KM to Attend Ruto's Inauguration Plead With Him

A collage of Everlyn Chepkemei (left) and Eunice Tabut (right)
A collage of Everlyn Chepkemei(left) and Eunice Tabut (right)
The Standard

The inauguration ceremony of President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua attracted Kenyans and dignitaries from across the country and beyond. 

Two patriotic and proud women from the President's hometown, Sugoi in Uasin Gishu County, walked 364 kilometres to attend the auspicious occasion

The two are yet to return home nearly two weeks after the inauguration as they seek to meet the President, to present their gift - a cart.

"I came to attend President Ruto's inauguration. Up to now, I have not met him to greet and give him my gift, and pray for the 'hustler' nation together," Evelyn Chepkemei lamented. 

Eunice Chepkemei (left) pulling a cart and Eunice Tabut traveling to Nairobi to attend Ruto's swearing-in ceremony. Sunday, September 11, 2022
Eunice Chepkemei (left) pulling a cart and Eunice Tabut traveling to Nairobi to attend Ruto's swearing-in ceremony. Sunday, September 11, 2022

Additionally, Tabut stated that since the President returned from his foreign trip, his team should make an effort to offer them an appointment. 

"We were patient when the president traveled to the UK for Queen Elizabeth's burial and now that he is back, we would like to see him before we go back home," she requested. 

Tabut had started the journey before her friend, Eunice Tabut, joined her to witness their 'son' being sworn in as Kenya's fifth President

The two friends made headlines when they opted to pull a cart all the way to Nairobi instead of using other faster means of transport.

"I decided to use the cart because I'm a hustler," Chepkemei stated.

“I told my husband that I will go with my cart to Kasarani for Ruto to witness that I love him,” she added.

It reportedly took Tabut and Chepkemei close to five days to join other Kenyans at Kasarani Stadium. 

The duo was hosted by a well-wisher after the ceremony on Tuesday, September 13.

President William Ruto receives instruments of power from his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at Kasarani Stadium
President William Ruto receives instruments of power from his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at Kasarani Stadium
PCS