This archive report was first published on 21 July 2019.
On July 21, 2019, a devastating incident occurred in Budalang'i when a seven-year-old boy named Sydney Mambala was run over by a vehicle in Deputy President William Ruto's convoy.
Dr. Ruto had visited St. Benedict School to attend the annual general meeting, and the tragic accident happened during his visit.
Hours after the boy's death, his father, Felix Nambala, received a call from Dr. Ruto, who promised to 'stand' with the family through the trying moment.
According to Mr. Nambala, Dr. Ruto told him to take heart and said that he would take care of the funeral expenses from start to finish.
However, a month later, the family claims that calls to the Deputy President's office have gone unanswered, and the promises made have not been honoured.
Mr. Nambala expressed his frustration, saying, 'Hajawahi receive simu. Napiga simu hazishikwi. Mimi nasikia uchungu sana kumpoteza mtoto wa kwanza.'
The family was also promised a job, a financial boost for their salon business, and a house, but these promises remain unfulfilled.
Dr. Ruto's office explained that the promises have not been honoured because the matter is before the court.
Dr. Ruto's Deputy Director of Communications, Emmanuel Talam, had earlier delivered a condolence message from his boss, pledging support to the family.
