This archive report was first published on 12 July 2019.
On July 12, 2019, Kenyan Member of Parliament Richard Tong'i made headlines for returning to India to settle a 30-year-old debt of Rs200 (approximately Sh300) owed to a greengrocer.
The debt, accumulated while Tong'i was studying in India between 1985 and 1989, was repaid to Kashinath Gawli, a septuagenarian who operated a grocery at Wankhedenagar locality in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
Tong'i, accompanied by his wife Michelle, visited Gawli and expressed his gratitude for the help he received during his time as a student. Gawli recalled the visit, saying, "I could not believe my eyes."
MP Tong'i's emotional visit was a testament to his appreciation for the kindness shown to him by the Gawli family. He said, "As a student in Aurangabad, I was at my lowest point, when these people (Gawlis) helped me. Then I thought that someday, I will come back and (re)pay. I want to say thank you. This is so emotional for me."
His wife Michelle added, "Richard had mentioned the Gawli family many times and I am happy to meet them now. There are many good people in this country."
