This archive report was first published on 11 July 2019.
Kenyan lawmaker Richard Tong'i made headlines recently when he traveled to India to repay a KSh 300 debt he incurred 30 years ago.
According to reports, Tong'i was a student of business management in Aurangabad, India, between 1985 and 1989. During this time, he would often purchase foodstuffs from local trader Kashinath Gawli on credit, with the intention of offsetting the debt the following day.
However, when Tong'i returned to Kenya in 1989, he had an outstanding balance of KSh 300, which he has now paid.
On July 8, Tong'i visited Gawli's home in a little Aurangabad village, where he was warmly received by the former grocer and his family.
"As a student in Aurangabad, I was at my lowest point, when these people (Gawlis) helped me. Then I thought that some day, I will come back and repay. I want to say thank you. This is so emotional for me," Tong'i said during the reunion.
It's worth noting that Tong'i has now settled his debt, and the gesture has been met with praise from many.
