Family, friends, recount last moments with former nominated MCA Ruth Cheptarus

Friends and family of Ruth Cheptarus, are mourning the death of the former nominated Member of the County Assembly in Nakuru.

The news of her sudden passing was confirmed by her son, Said Murango.

In a phone interview with Mtaa Wangu, Murango says his mother had been well, adding that she had come home from the mosque at around 10 pm after the evening prayers.

"I spoke to my uncle, who said that at around 1 AM on Wednesday morning, my mother had called him, but he could not make out what she was saying.”

Later that morning, Murango says he received a call saying that his mom was unwell, and he was needed at Mother Kevin Hospital.

“Upon arrival, I found that my mother had not been removed from the vehicle that had ferried her to the hospital. When I inquired with the doctors, they told me that she had been dead on arrival and that her body was stiff," he narrates.

Additionally, the son shared that his mother, who was a mother of four, was loved by the community.

She was selfless and always put the needs of others before her own.

"Mom was always spearheading women's mentorship programs. During the time she served this county in different capacities, she gave her all to ensure she inspired positive change, especially in Nakuru Town West," Murango adds.

Hawa Ibrahim, a former nominated MCA, notes that on the night of January 18, she had been with the deceased, as they had met for prayers.

"We parted ways at around 10pm, and from my observation, she looked well. I was really shocked when I got a call from her son the next morning saying that she had passed on. I could not believe it," she says.

Ms. Hawa went on to say that she had been mentored by the former nominated MCA and reflected on their long-lasting political friendship.

"Before the Post-Election Violence, we began our political careers by campaigning for Mohammed Suraw. In 2013, we were both fortunate enough to be nominated as MCAs in the first-ever Nakuru County Assembly," she recalls.

Ms. Hawa added that her "sister" converted to Islam in 2004 and had been very active in the community, always helping the less fortunate.

"My friend owned some apartments. If someone was unable to pay rent, she would understand and work something out with them. She never evicted anyone," she adds.

Ann Mwithaga, a human rights activist, expressed profound sadness upon hearing the news.

She described Ruth as always being at the forefront of advocating for women's rights and mentoring young women in society.

"She will truly be missed by many of us. She was a dedicated leader and a servant to the people; she was very passionate about the people of Nakuru Town West. She will truly be missed," Ms Mwithaga notes.

On her part, Peninnah Sortum, the former MCA of Njoro, described her colleague as an active political figure.

During her time in the county assembly, Ruth was a vibrant and dedicated leader.

"She was a unifying factor, even when we had wrangles in the house. She was the one who would step in to mediate. Personally, she was one of those people I could count on in both good and bad times," she says.

Sortum continues, "When we were in the house, she always prioritized women's empowerment and issues related to the health of infants. As a member of the Nakuru County Assembly Health Department, she had a vision of providing quality healthcare to everyone in the community."